What typically fails first on a customer's motor?

The most common initial failure in a customer's motor is often the insulation on the motor itself. Over time, motors are subjected to various stresses, including heat, vibration, and electrical surges. These factors can cause the insulation to break down, leading to short circuits or grounding issues. Once the insulation degrades, it compromises the motor's overall functionality and can lead to more severe failures.

While it's possible for circuit breakers to fail, they are designed to protect against overloads and short circuits, and often will trip before allowing damage to occur. The insulation on connecting cables, such as the triplex or quadplex, usually remains intact longer than the motor's insulation because they are not exposed to the same operational stresses within the motor. The failure of the motor's insulation is a critical point in maintaining motor performance and longevity, making it the most likely candidate for initial failure in this context.