From manufacturing to mining, electric motors are essential across industries. But one of the most common causes of motor failure is something surprisingly simple: bearing damage due to shaft currents. For distributors and resellers, this certainly presents a challenge, but it can also be viewed as a major opportunity to differentiate, educate and upsell with long-term value.
Modern electric motors, especially those controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), are more prone to electrical bearing damage. High-frequency voltages can build up on the motor shaft. With nowhere to go, this stray current seeks the path of least resistance, often discharging through the motor's bearings. Over time, this leads to fluting, pitting and premature bearing failure.
Shaft grounding rings (or brushes) offer a simple yet highly effective solution. These components redirect harmful shaft currents away from bearings and safely ground them. For WEG motors, shaft grounding options are available or easily retrofitted, making them a practical upsell for protection and performance.
By adding shaft grounding during installation or retrofitting, you can:
Encourage your customers to be alert to signs of bearing damage:
By educating them on these red flags, you position yourself not only as a trusted motor distributor, but also as a proactive problem-solver.
When offering WEG motors, don’t stop at specs. Shaft grounding isn’t just a protection feature, it’s also an upsell opportunity. Package it with services like:
By doing so, you add value—and you stand out—in a competitive distribution landscape.
End-users rely on your insights to guide their purchases so as a distributor, your technical knowledge is your advantage. By discussing hidden risks like shaft currents and offering practical protection solutions, you can turn a commodity sale into a value-added partnership.
VJ Pamensky (WEG Canada) supports this approach by offering premium electric motors with customizable configurations, allowing you to tailor solutions to your customers' operational environments.
Shaft grounding might be a small component, but its impact on motor longevity and system reliability is significant. As a distributor, recognizing these critical failure points gives you a powerful edge to prevent downtime and drive more informed, value-driven sales. By guiding your customers toward smarter protection solutions, you position yourself as more than just a supplier—you become a trusted advisor.
Ready to offer smarter motor protection? Learn more about our electric motor solutions on our website and contact VJ Pamensky today to find out how you can become a go-to resource for reliability and performance.
