Press Release
Marathon Electric Introduces New Shaft Grounding Ring Technology for Inverter Driven Motors
 September 25, 2009 (Wausau, WI): Marathon Electric, innovators of energy efficient motor
technology for the long run, has introduced the latest innovation in inverter-driven motor
technology with a field installable Shaft Grounding Ring (SGR) accessory for industrial,
commercial and HVAC/R motors. This option is especially suited for Marathon’s Blue Max®,
Black Max®, Micro Max® and NEMA Premium XRI® models.
Adding the SGR accessory to motors driven by variable frequency drives (VFDs) ensures the
enhanced performance delivered with VFD technology. While VFDs can reduce energy costs by
30% or more, they also induce harmful currents on the shafts of the motors they control. Without
effective shaft grounding, these currents may damage motor bearings, leading to noise, vibration,
costly downtime, and premature motor failures that can negate the energy savings from using the
VFD with the motor.
“As leaders in VFD systems using our MAX motor family, Marathon continues to search for
solutions to not only make these systems more energy efficient, but more sustainable” said Rick
Munz, Product Manager of Marathon Electric. He added, “The energy efficiency achieved by
system improvements must be sustainable in order to be a truly ‘green’ solution.”
AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Ring technology was developed by Electro Static Technology, a
division of Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) to improve reliability of inverter driven motors
such as those manufactured by Marathon Electric. The new technology has been successful in
over 150,000 inverter driven applications in commercial HVAC, pump, industrial processes and
countless other applications.
“We are impressed with Marathon Electric’s innovative approach for this new option,” said
Adam Willwerth, Sales and Marketing Manager at Electro Static Technology. “We look forward
to supporting Marathon and their customers with the shaft grounding ring.”
The SGR can be added to the build up of over 90% of Marathon Electric motors during the
assembly or it may be added through the Mod Central. These kits are designed to be a retro fit
for all Marathon Electric NEMA T or TS shafts on non-flanged motors. They are easily installed
and unlike conventional grounding brushes, are maintenance free with virtually no friction or
wear for the service life of the motor.
Electro Static Technology is the global leader in the elimination and/or mitigation of induced
electrical charges on rotating and moving surfaces. Electro Static Technology manufactures the
patented technology AEGIS™ SGR shaft-grounding ring for the electric motors and generators
and is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a $16 billion diversified manufacturing company
with operations in 44 countries.
Marathon Electric, RBC Manufacturing Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal
Beloit Corporation. Marathon Electric Motors delivers efficient mechanical power solutions
using AC electric motors up to 1250 HP.
Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC) is a leading manufacturer of mechanical and electrical
motion control and power generation products serving markets throughout the world. Regal
Beloit Corporation is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has manufacturing, sales, and
service facilities throughout United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.
AEGIS® Contacts:
Sales:
Adam Wilwerth
Sales and Marketing ManagerUSA
Phone: 207-998-3493
FAX: 207-998-5143
E-mail this person
|
