The bearings will eventually fall apart, and that could cause a motor failure.” Luckily, options exist to help prevent electrical fluting, which more and more ... that you’re going to be installing ...

A belt or gear drive, for example ... leaving behind microcraters. Characteristic "fluting" patterns on bearing surfaces indicate damage from electric arcing. Fluting is caused by rolling elements ...

Photo 1. Wear paths offset in opposite directions on inner versus outer race indicate the bearing was preloaded during service, and the fluting indicates electrical discharges — “shaft currents.” ...

If electrically induced fluting occurs ... conveyor manufacturers to mitigate adjustable-speed drive circulating currents and prolong bearing life.