Surplus electric motors come from many different sources. As with any surplus product they can be new or used. Surplus motors are also used for many reasons. The amount of surplus motors coming back into circulation is growing rapidly. This has spawned some concerns about the safety concerns involving these surplus motors.

The reason surplus motors have become popular is for a few reasons. First some people buy surplus motors because they are no longer made and they want them for parts to service a motor they already have. Another reason is they are less expensive than a brand new motor bought from a dealer. Lastly, some people buy them to refurbish and resell themselves. All of these reasons combined means surplus motors are making a comeback.

The concerns over surplus motors stems from the fact that they can be unreliable. Most surplus motors are used. While they may be in great condition, they do not have original packaging or manufactures guidelines that are sold with them. Not having these important papers means the buyer is not getting important information on proper installation, care and use. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries. This concern has resulted in the formation of an organization called the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League or PEARL.

PEARL was formed in 1997 and had a goal of initiating standards for sellers of surplus motors. Its members are companies that meet specific guidelines like being in business for at least two years, has a specific volume of sales and inventory and agrees to the business code set forth by PEARL. The idea is to regulate the industry so that motors are sold in safe condition with the proper warnings and guidelines. They also provide education for surplus motor sellers in hopes that this will allow them to pass education along to the consumers. PEARL is continuously striving to keep in touch with the surplus industry so they can continue to protect consumer privacy.

While surplus electric motors are being sold more often than ever before, the concerns are now recognized. The organization, PEARL, is trying to protect consumers and sellers alike by setting regulations for the surplus industry. Through its work PEARL is hoping to eliminate the problems within the surplus industry. Surplus electric motors often offer great deals and help consumers to meet needs they could not otherwise meet, so it is unlikely to just go away. This is why there is a push for regulation within the industry.