The first start is also when you take the reference values you will compare against throughout the motor's life. The pre-commissioning steps in the catalogue are:

  1. Measure insulation resistance; this step is mandatory for motors that have been stored for a long time.
  2. Compare the supply with the nameplate: voltage, frequency and the star/delta arrangement of the terminal links must match the nameplate.
  3. Set the protection: the thermal protection is set according to the rated current on the nameplate.
  4. Confirm the direction of rotation: check the phase sequence; a wrong direction can cause damage on pumps and fans that run one way only.
  5. Mechanical connection: check shaft–coupling alignment and belt tension; make sure foot and flange bolts are tight.
  6. First run: if possible, run the motor uncoupled at no load.

Also check the earth connection, the tightness of the cable gland and that unused cable entries are closed with blanking plugs. After start-up, record the three phase currents, noise, vibration and frame temperature. For wiring diagrams and starting methods, see the motor connection questions; for a step-by-step checklist, the article on motor commissioning checks.