Regal Beloit Electrical Products Company (RBC EPC), formerly A. O. Smith Electrical Products Company, is pleased to announce that, effective December 1, 2011, customers can now add an AEGIS Shaft-Grounding Ring to any three-phase catalog motor 56 frame through 440T frame (short shafted motors included). 

Variable Frequency drives (VFD) integrated with AC motors induce destructive electrical voltages on the motor shaft. Once these voltages exceed the resistance of the bearing lubricant, a discharge occurs through the bearings causing fusion craters, severe pitting, fluting damage, excessive bearing noise and, ultimately, premature bearing failure.  

Motors configured with AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings, available through Regal Beloit EPC, Inc., provide protection against premature bearing failure resulting from induced electrical voltage on a motor’s shaft, when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.

Century motors, up to 100 horsepower, equipped with AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings are protected from electrical bearing damage because they safely channel harmful shaft voltages away from the motor’s bearings to ground. The ring’s conductive micro fibers have been designed with an eye towards sustainability and long life, further enhancing the value of your Century motor under normal expected bearing life.

Century motors configured with shaft grounding rings are designed for integration into any VFD network for commercial, HVAC, and industrial applications (excluding those with an explosive danger or risk).  Standard motors are modified via a controlled process where the AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring is installed.

For more information: www.regalbeloit.com