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How to Prevent Electrical Bearing Damage
Electric current passing through a bearing can lead to serious electrical bearing damage. This kind of damage typically appears as small pits or grooves on the bearing surface, which create an uneven texture. As a result, the bearing may produce more noise and vibration, eventually leading to complete failure. Such issues can be expensive, often resulting in unexpected downtime and costly repairs or upgrades.
Not every bearing is affected by electric current, and not all circuits cause this type of damage. However, there are two common scenarios where electrical bearing damage tends to occur: when equipment is improperly grounded or when bearings are used in AC/DC motors equipped with variable frequency drives (VFDs).
In cases of incorrect grounding, the current often takes the path of least resistance, which is usually through the bearings. With VFDs, the situation is similar—voltage builds up on the motor shaft and repeatedly discharges into the bearings. This current discharge causes fluting or pitting patterns inside the bearing, ultimately leading to equipment malfunction.
One effective solution to prevent electrical bearing damage is to replace standard bearings with ceramic hybrid bearings. These bearings provide superior electrical and thermal insulation, preventing current from passing through and making them ideal for use with VFDs or other grounded motors.
Ceramic hybrid ball bearings consist of ceramic rolling elements and steel inner and outer races. This unique design makes them highly resistant to electrical damage while offering excellent insulation properties. They also feature double shielding, non-conductive characteristics, and low temperature rise under extreme conditions.
For example, Nachi ceramic hybrid ball bearings are known for their durability and performance. They are dimensionally compatible with most standard bearings, which simplifies installation and reduces replacement costs.
Beyond their insulating capabilities, ceramic hybrid bearings offer several additional benefits:
- Lightweight construction
- Safer operation in extreme environments
- Wider speed range
- Low friction coefficient for faster rotation and higher power output
- Longer service life and reduced risk of early failure
- No need for heavy lubricants like oil or grease, reducing contamination risks and environmental impact
These advantages make ceramic hybrid bearings a smart choice in applications that require extra protection, such as food processing, packaging, HVAC systems, compressors, pumps, elevators, data centers, and more.
Protecting your bearings from electrical damage is essential for maintaining system efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. At Emerson Bearing, we offer long-lasting solutions designed to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Our eBook, *Increase Bearing Service Life and Optimize Performance*, provides valuable insights into preventing bearing damage, understanding common failure causes, and taking proactive steps to protect your critical components. To learn how to improve efficiency and safeguard your investments, download the guide today.
For more information on how to integrate our high-performance bearing solutions into your operations, contact our team now.