Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test 2026 - Free Maintenance Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the case of a newly installed motor running in the reverse direction, one of the primary reasons for this behavior is related to the connection of the motor leads. Motors, especially three-phase induction motors, have a specific wiring configuration that determines the rotation direction. If the motor is running in the opposite direction than intended, it is often due to the incorrect connection of the leads.

Reversing two of the three power supply leads (L1 and L3, for instance) will change the sequence of the phases reaching the motor, effectively reversing the direction of rotation. This is a common troubleshooting step for three-phase motors when the motor does not run as expected after installation.

While other faults could potentially impact motor performance, such as worn bearings or a faulty capacitor, these issues typically manifest as changes in performance, noise, or efficiency rather than an outright reversal of direction. A short circuit in the winding might cause the motor to fail to start or to operate erratically, but it wouldn't likely result in a situation where the motor runs in reverse by itself. Therefore, the correct identification of reversing the leads rather than addressing other mechanical or electrical failures makes this option the most accurate.