Instead, an increased current will flow, and the entire circuit will overheat. Eventually the insulation will begin to burn and ignite combustible material in its vicinity. This type of fire can be prevented by replacing wires that have bad insulation and by installing only fuse and circuit breakers of the proper size for their circuits. Faulty electric motors are prime causes of fire. Problems may result when a motor isn't properly maintained or when it exceeds its useful life.
Motors require regular inspection, testing, lubrication and cleaning.
Sparks and arcing may result if a winding becomes short-circuited or grounded, or of the brushes do not operate smoothly. If spark or arc is strong enough, it can ignite nearby combustible material. Lack of lubrication may cause the motor bearings to overheat, with the same result. Interference with branch circuits and lighting from motor starting or stopping, can make excessive light flicker, or excessive voltage dips can cause fluorescent and mercury lamps to drop out and sensitive electrical and electronic equipment to stop during production time. It may be another source of danger when equipment restarts without any control after voltage come back to the full level.