Whilst brake motors are extremely useful in a number of applications around our homes and workplaces, they are known to experience problems from time to time. Fortunately, some of these problems can easily be repaired yourself, providing that you have correctly identified the cause. If your motor is experiencing one of the problems outlined below, you can try the accompanying tips to try and rectify it.

The brake cannot be released
There are actually a number of causes for this common brake motor problem but they can all be fixed by yourself (providing that you know what you’re doing).

• Misadjusted brake: Try to readjust the air gap.
• Defective or incorrect wiring: Check the wiring and correct the issues, or try checking the cables using a multimeter.
• Rotor mechanically blocked: Try to remove the mechanical block, otherwise check the manual lever adjustment.
• Defective or incorrect rectifier: Use a multimeter to measure the DC voltage at the rectifier, check the wiring, or replace the defective rectifier.

There is a delay in the motor engaging

This motor problem can prove to be highly problematic, as the application will often require precise movements.

• Over voltage in the brake coil: Check the connections and voltages to see whether a short has occurred.

The brake does not engage

Whilst there are less causes of this brake motor problem, there can be no denying that it is equally as annoying as the one above.

• Voltage too high after shutdown: Check the regenerative voltage in the coil to check that it is correct.
• Rotor mechanically blocked: Try to remove the mechanical block and, if that doesn’t work, check the manual lever adjustment.

There is a delay in the motor release

This brake motor problem can actually prove to be quite problematic if left unattended; fortunately, there should be an easy fix involved.

• Misadjusted brake: Try to readjust the air gap.
• Power supply voltage too low: You will need to check the power supply voltage to ensure that it is correct.

If your brake motor is experiencing a problem that has not been outlined above or you have been unable to rectify the issue using one of the above methods, you will need to take it in for a professional repair. Just make sure that you explain the ways in which you have tried to repair the motor, as you may have made a small mistake that needs to be rectified before the professional repair can be made.

Andie Lowrence

I am Andie Lowrence and I love to write I have experience in writing content on several topics including lighting, home improvement, real estate, automotive, energy efficiency and much more.