Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) generate high-frequency shaft voltage. If this voltage discharges through motor bearings, it causes pitting and fluting that lead to premature failure. Learn more in this post, Three Types of Bearing Current.
An AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Ring provides a 360° path of conductive microfibers that drain harmful shaft voltage to ground, protecting bearings from electrical buildup and discharge. Learn more in this post, How AEGIS Rings Reduce Risk in Electric Motors.
Yes. Any motor operated by a VFD is at risk of shaft voltage discharge and should be equipped with bearing protection. Learn more in this post, Why VFD-Controlled Motors Need Shaft Grounding.
No. VFDs improve energy efficiency. Shaft grounding protects reliability by preventing bearing failures.
For most low-voltage motors, you should use an AEGIS SGR or uKIT. Large frame and medium-voltage motors, generators, and turbines require an AEGIS PRO Ring. To learn more, check out our three-part series, Choosing a Shaft Grounding Ring 1, 2, and 3.
Isolate one bearing and install an AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring on the opposite end for full protection. For more on best practices, see Best Practices for Bearing Protection.
Yes. Split-ring, clamp-on, and epoxy-mounted designs make it easy to retrofit AEGIS rings on motors already in service. Our AEGIS uKIT – an SGR including universal mounting brackets – makes installation even easier.
Solid and split rings, clamp-on or bolt-through mounts, press-fit rings, and universal bracket kits ensure compatibility with nearly any motor design.
Typically, no. The fibers are designed for low-to-no maintenance once properly installed.
Yes. They are designed to perform reliably in a wide range of industrial conditions, including high humidity and variable temperatures.
Yes. AEGIS Shaft Grounding Rings are proven in pumps, fans, conveyors, HVAC systems, and generators.
Our installation instructions are available on this interactive webpage and as a downloadable pdf. Mounting options include bolt-through, clamp-on, epoxy mounted, and press-fit, depending on your installation.
Yes, all of our standard SGRs have drawings available on the product pages at our online catalog, catalog.est-aegis.com. You can search by part number or use a product selector, and then go to the Drawings tab. (PRO rings are all custom parts, so their drawings are only made as needed.)
The handbook is available here: Download the AEGIS Handbook
No special tools are required. Many installations can be completed with standard shop equipment, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
We offer accessories, including conductive epoxy kits for easier mounting, colloidal silver shaft coating for enhanced conductivity, and high-frequency grounding straps.
By reducing or eliminating discharge through the bearings, grounding rings prevent premature electrical bearing damage, helping bearings to achieve their expected service life.
Lab testing suggests a potential wear life of up to 200,000 hours. In the field, an AEGIS ring’s lifetime will likely be shorter, but still significantly longer than the bearing’s L10 life.
AEGIS products are available through our authorized distributors worldwide. Find your local distributor here.
Our online catalog has three product selector tools available, based on motor frame size or shaft diameter, along with drawings of all of our standard SGRs. If you still can’t find the ring for you, just contact us.
Reach out to Electro Static Technology directly via our Contact Page. Our experts can provide recommendations for your specific system.
Electro Static Technology (EST) is a global leader in conductive microfiber solutions for static dissipation. EST opened our doors in 1984, offering antistatic brushes for printers. In 1999, EST was acquired by Illinois Tool Works (ITW). We developed the AEGIS Shaft Grounding Ring in 2004, and continue to develop stray voltage mitigation solutions for new applications. More about us