Exposing a bearing to an electric current can lead to electrical bearing damage. This type of damage typically appears as pits and grooves on the bearing’s surface, resulting in an uneven texture that increases noise, vibration, and ultimately leads to failure. These issues can be costly, often causing unnecessary downtime and expensive repairs or replacements.
While not every bearing is affected by electrical currents, and not all circuits cause damage, two common scenarios usually trigger this problem: incorrect grounding of equipment or the use of bearings in AC/DC motors with variable frequency drives (VFDs). In cases of improper grounding, the current may take the path of least resistance through the bearings, leading to damage. With VFDs, voltage builds up on the motor shaft and discharges repeatedly into the bearings, creating fluting or pitting patterns that eventually lead to 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, which helps prevent current discharge. They are especially suitable for environments involving VFDs or other grounded motor systems.
What Are Ceramic Hybrid Ball Bearings?
Ceramic hybrid bearings feature ceramic rolling elements combined with steel inner and outer races. This design makes them ideal for applications where electrical damage is a concern. The ceramic material offers excellent insulation, reducing the risk of electric arcing and fluting. Additionally, these bearings are double-shielded, non-conductive, and maintain low temperatures even under extreme conditions.
Nachi ceramic hybrid ball bearings, for example, are known for their durability and performance. They are dimensionally compatible with most standard bearings, making them easy to install without requiring special modifications. This compatibility simplifies the replacement process and makes them a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel bearings.
Additional Benefits of Ceramic Hybrid Ball Bearings
Beyond their insulating properties, ceramic hybrid bearings offer several other advantages:
- Lightweight construction improves efficiency
- Safer operation in harsh environments
- Wider speed range capabilities
- Low coefficient of friction allows for faster rotation and higher power output
- Extended lifespan and reduced risk of early failure, offering long-term cost savings
- Elimination of heavy lubricants like oil or grease, reducing contamination risks and environmental impact
These benefits make ceramic hybrid bearings an excellent choice for applications that require enhanced protection, such as food processing, packaging, VFD motors, HVAC systems, compressors, conveyors, pumps, elevators, refrigeration units, fans, data centers, and generators.
Safeguard Your Bearings With Emerson Bearing
Bearings can suffer damage from various factors, including electrical currents, environmental conditions, and operational stress. Understanding these risks is crucial to avoiding costly repairs, downtime, and potential safety hazards.
Our eBook, *Increase Bearing Service Life and Optimize Performance*, provides valuable insights into the causes of bearing damage and how to prevent it. It covers essential topics like maintenance, installation, and best practices for extending bearing life. To improve efficiency and protect your equipment, download the eBook today.
If you're looking for reliable and long-lasting bearing solutions for your facility, contact our team now to learn more about how we can help.
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