When measuring the motor current drop, what step should be taken first?

The first step when measuring the motor current drop is to disconnect the load. This is essential because the load on the motor significantly influences the current it draws. By disconnecting the load, you are able to measure the current under no-load conditions, which will provide a baseline for understanding how the motor performs without the added strain of driving machinery or equipment. This approach helps in identifying whether the motor itself is functioning properly and ruling out any issues with the load before proceeding to further diagnose any potential problems.

Measuring the voltage, checking for mechanical wear, or inspecting the motor wiring would typically follow after confirming that the load is disconnected. These actions may help identify other issues but are not the preliminary steps required to understand the current drop effectively.