Can any motor be rewound?

Whether a motor can be rewound using the usual motorrewinding formula depends on the type of damage that has caused it to burn out. The most important part of any electric motor is its stator core. This core is a fixed stator with a rotating armature inside it. It consists of two main parts: windings of copper wire, and insulated and stacked iron laminations.

Prolonged overheating, excessive one-time heating, or water inside the motor can result in the stator winding insulation failing. This type of malfunction rarely damages the core, and can easily be fixed by taking out the ruined winding and replacing it with a new one. On the other hand, should a motor fail due to a bearing failure, it’s likely that the stator core will be damaged by the iron armatures grinding against the stator iron. In this case, rewinding is usually impossible, and the motor has to be replaced since it won't start at all.

Motor rewinding basics - is rewinding always worth it?

Sometimes, a motor can be repaired or rewound, but it may not be worthwhile to do so. Very old units (10+ years), or ones that have been incorrectly rewound in the past, should be replaced with a new motor. Another thing to consider is the operating cost. Older models generally have a higher operating cost than newer, energy-efficient models. Paying a larger sum upfront for a modern motor could save you more money in the long run than rewinding the older, inefficient motor and continuing to pay higher operating costs.

Many people disregard these motor rewinding basics and automatically decide to have their motors rewound because it saves them money in the short term. This can cause considerable issues later on. Failure to ensure the stator core is undamaged before attempting rewinding is a typical mistake. Doing so usually results in a motor with lower efficiency, greater risk of another burnout, and much worse thermals.

Want to know more about motor rewinding basics?

At PCE, we’ve been a leader in the ship repair and fabrication industry for more than 40 years. We are especially proud of our many contracts with the US Navy. Our engineers are responsible for some of the best rewound motors San Diego residents have ever seen. We also provide a range of services that include that include vessel restoration, engine replacement, and generator maintenance. Feel free to call us! Our knowledgeable staff will gladly answer any questions you may have!