In recent years, the production of locomotives in our country has increased significantly. At the same time, a lot of efforts are made to increase the power, reliability and efficiency of their work. One of the key components of any locomotive is electric traction machines, which are usually designed to the limit in order to obtain maximum torque and power density in the limited space of the rolling stock. Previously, this problem was solved by increasing the electromagnetic properties of materials, thermal conductivity of insulating materials. However, this path has exhausted the possibilities for increasing the efficiency of traction electric machines. As the design of traction electric machines improves, their level of functionality, reliability and durability increases, electric traction systems become more relevant and important for reducing the cost of materials, maintenance and ensuring traffic safety. The insulation state of the windings of traction electric machines mainly determines their reliability and performance, affects the service life and the cost of maintenance. Therefore, when designing a traction electric machine, it is important to take into account all operational factors that determine the optimal service life of a locomotive. The article discusses the effect of thermomechanical stresses in the insulation of traction electric machines on their reliability and durability.