When troubleshooting a motor that is drawing high current, what is the first thing you would check?

When troubleshooting a motor that is drawing high current, checking the voltage supplied to the motor is crucial. The voltage is the driving force behind the motor's operation, and if it is too high or too low, it can lead to increased current draw. An incorrect voltage can cause the motor to work harder than necessary, resulting in overheating and potential damage.

Understanding the relationship between voltage and current is fundamental; a motor intended to operate at a specific voltage will draw different levels of current under varying voltage conditions. For example, if the voltage is lower than expected, the motor may try to compensate by drawing more current. Conversely, if the voltage is excessively high, it can lead to increased current draw, ultimately risking the motor's integrity.

By first assessing the voltage, you can determine whether it is within the proper operating range for the motor. If the voltage is correct, you would move on to check other aspects, such as wiring connections, which can affect voltage delivery, but starting with voltage checks the foundational source of power being delivered to the motor.