Environmental factors are a major cause of electric motor winding failures. Environmental factors primarily include dirt, debris, and contaminants. Improper cooling and chemical abrasion are other hazardous environmental conditions. Exposure to these elements can reduce a motor’s performance immediately and over a longer period of time. Sometimes, a motor’s longevity and performance can be restored by checking the insulation periodically for signs of damage caused by environmental conditions. Preventative maintenance is a primary resource for optimal electric motor health. If an environmental motor winding failure is not discovered and fixed, the motor can overheat or suffer other damage.