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6 June, 2023

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Blogs & Opinions » Back to Basics

Cavitation needn’t cause aggravation

18 May, 2020

Cavitation is usually bad news for any pumping system and,  if left unchecked, it can wreak havoc with impellers and other components. However, modern VSDs offer an easy, low-cost method to detect and prevent it, as ABB’s Andrew Bould explains.


Using VSDs outdoors? Avoid IP ratings you don’t need

14 April, 2020

HVAC contractors and consultants sometimes specify IP ratings of IP65 or higher for variable-speed drives used outdoors, but a high IP rating is not the same as “weatherproof”, as ABB’s Carl Turbitt explains.


How to dimension a variable-speed drive

03 February, 2020

ABB’s Liam Blackshaw offers advice on how to dimension a variable-speed drive correctly to suit the application.


Energy saving: time to return to the basics?

03 January, 2020

ABB’s Steve Hughes discovers that the energy-saving benefits of variable-speed drives are still not widely understood.


Where is fieldbus heading for drives?

20 November, 2019

Fieldbuses give variable-speed drives the ability to control processes rapidly and accurately, while accessing data to determine how applications are performing. ABB’s Liam Blackshaw offers some insights into fieldbus developments for VSDs.


What you need to know about SECR

04 November, 2019

With the first deadline approaching for SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), ABB’s Stuart Melling takes a look at what companies need to do to prepare for the new regulations.


Hazardous area motors join high-efficiency trend

17 September, 2019

The trend in motors is for higher efficiencies and the spotlight is now falling on hazardous area motors intended for explosive atmospheres. Rob Wood, ABB’s business line manager for motors and generators, describes what forthcoming legislative changes are likely to mean for motor users.


Monitoring the condition of large MV motors

29 August, 2019

In last month’s column, Rob Wood, ABB’s local business line manager for motors and generators, looked at predictive maintenance strategies for LV motors. This month, he examines what predictive maintenance means for larger motors.


Predictive maintenance for LV motors

24 July, 2019

In last month’s column, Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors and generators, looked at three types of maintenance strategy. This month, he examines what predictive maintenance means in practice for maintaining LV motors.


What is the best maintenance plan?

13 May, 2019

Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, describes three types of maintenance strategy, and explains the circumstances in which they should be used.


Why electric motors need servicing

25 April, 2019

Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, examines the factors that can cause motors to age.


Commissioning motors safely

12 March, 2019

Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, looks at how to install and commission motors properly to boost their reliability, minimise breakdowns, and cut operating costs.


Selecting the right motor environment

04 February, 2019

Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, examines aspects of an electric motor’s operating environment that you need to consider when choosing and specifying a machine.


The Rise of motor applications

02 January, 2019

Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, continues to work through the Rise acronym – Requirements, Infrastructure, Standards and Environment – used to choose the best motor for your application. This month he looks at infrastructure and standards. 


Digging into motor application needs

01 November, 2018

In the second part of his series looking at the steps involved in choosing a low-voltage motor, Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, continues to examine the “requirements” for such choices.


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