Methods of Motor Current Signature Analysis

Abstract

Recently a technique for monitoring and diagnosing mechanical problems, associated with rotating machines driven by electric motors, has been proposed and is now being offered by several commercial suppliers. This technique, known as “Motor Current Signature Analysis” or MCSA, seeks to apply much of the long experience in vibration signature analysis to the analysis of motor current in effect using the motor as a sensor akin to an acceleromeier This paper explores some of the history of the technique, presents several examples, and demonstrates a first order approach to the theory with associated cautions.