When an electric motor fails, downtime can quickly turn into lost revenue. While regular motor maintenance and inspections are critical, smart businesses also prepare for unexpected breakdowns by keeping replacement motors in storage.
But storing an electric motor isn’t as simple as placing it on a warehouse shelf. Without proper storage practices, your spare motors could fail before they’re even installed. This guide covers everything you need to know about short-term and long-term electric motor storage, including labeling, inspection, and essential storage tips.
Why Proper Electric Motor Storage Matters
Electric motors are expensive assets that directly impact production uptime. Following correct storage procedures helps you:
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Protect against moisture, dust, and vibration damage
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Extend the lifespan of spare motors
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Ensure faster replacement when equipment fails
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Minimize downtime and revenue loss
By following a proven electric motor storage checklist, you’ll keep your backup motors in ready-to-use condition.
Short-Term Electric Motor Storage
Short-term storage typically lasts a few days to a few weeks. During this period:
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Store the motor in a climate-controlled environment.
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Protect it from ambient vibration caused by nearby construction, road traffic, or machinery.
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Keep it free from exposure to moisture and dust.
Short-term precautions help prevent damage while the motor awaits quick installation or testing.
Long-Term Electric Motor Storage
For motors stored months or years, additional steps are required to ensure long-term reliability:
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Store motors in a weathertight, climate-controlled environment.
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Maintain an ambient temperature between 50°F and 120°F.
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Keep relative humidity at 60% or lower to avoid condensation.
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Protect against vibration, which can cause false-brinelling in bearings.
Proper environmental controls are essential to prevent premature motor failure.
Labeling Electric Motors for Storage
Clear labeling ensures your stored motors remain organized and easy to track. Each motor should include:
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Manufacturer name, model, and contact information
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Purchase and storage dates
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Last maintenance inspection date
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Required maintenance notes
📱 Pro Tip: Upgrade to QR code labels. Scanning with a mobile device instantly provides motor data, streamlining inspections and record-keeping.
Electric Motor Storage Checklist
Every business should develop a standard storage checklist. At minimum, include:
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✅ Pre-storage inspection (visual + diagnostic)
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✅ Protection from moisture, dust, and pests
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✅ Proper lubrication and bearing inspections
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✅ Shaft rotation to redistribute grease and oil
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✅ Brush and winding storage requirements
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✅ Accurate record-keeping and testing documentation
Organize storage space for easy forklift and crane access, ensuring motors can be safely moved when needed.
Electric Motor Storage Tips
To maximize the lifespan of stored motors:
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Keep motors at least 8” above the floor to protect against flooding.
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Store motors with the electrical connections box easily accessible.
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Ensure breather drains remain operational.
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Coat external surfaces with a rust inhibitor.
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Lift and secure carbon brushes off the commutator during storage.
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Rotate shafts every 30–90 days to prevent rotor sag and lubricant pooling.
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Always store vertical motors upright.
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Keep and reinstall shipping braces before moving motors.
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Perform periodic dielectric withstand and insulation resistance (IR) tests to verify winding health.
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Always test insulation resistance and lubricant levels before placing motors back into service.
Electric Motor Storage Options
If in-house storage isn’t feasible, many businesses now turn to professional motor storage services. At Energy Management Corporation, we provide both short-term and long-term motor storage solutions designed to keep your equipment in service-ready condition.
Additional Electric Motor Services
Along with motor storage solutions, we also offer:
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Vibration analysis
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Motor pulling and installation
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Laser alignment services
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Tracking systems and diagnostics
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Custom inspection and maintenance plans
Final Thoughts
Proper electric motor storage protects your investment, reduces downtime, and ensures your business always has reliable equipment ready to deploy. Whether storing motors for weeks or years, following this checklist helps maximize performance and extend motor life.
For businesses that need expert support, professional motor storage services provide peace of mind and long-term protection for your most critical assets.
