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Electric Motors, GE Motors & Industrial Motor Replacement Parts
Need Help with Your Nameplate?
Reading a motor’s nameplate can often be challenging. Nameplates differ according to manufacturer, and a variety of factors, such as dirt and damage, can hide crucial information needed to size a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), make a repair, find a replacement, correct the power factor, purchase parts, or do almost anything with the motor. But even a clean nameplate can be confusing with all of the abbreviations and codes used in such a small space. The following guide is designed to help you understand the crucial information contained on your motor’s nameplate.
Step 1: Gather Nameplate Information
Listed below is the information you will need to select your motor. If you are replacing an existing motor, the following information can be located on the nameplate of the motor. See the sample nameplate on this page:
- Phase (PH): Either single (1) or three (3). This should match exactly.
- Voltage (Volts): This should match exactly.
- Horsepower (HP): Very small motors are often rated in watts. Choose an equal or next higher HP.
- Physical Size/Frame (FR): This should match exactly.
- Speed (RPM): This should match within 5%.
- Frequency (Hz): This should match exactly.
- Service Factor (SF): This should be an equal or greater number.
- Type: See below.
a. Shaded Pole - Small direct-drive fans and blowers
b. PSC - Direct-drive fans and blowers
c. Split-Phase - Belt-drive and direct-drive fans and blowers, small tools, centrifugal pumps, and appliances
d. Capacitor-Start - Pumps, compressors, tools, conveyors, farm equipment, and industrial ventilators
e. 3-Phase - Applications where 3-Phase power is available - Enclosure (Encl.): See below.
a. ODP/Open - Clean, dry, non hazardous environments
b. Enclosed TEFC/TENV - Dirty, moist, non hazardous environments
c. Hazardous - Designed for use in hazardous environments as defined by National Electric Code (NEC) classifications. NEC Class and Group are designated on UL Hazardous Location nameplate mounted on the motor. - Duty Cycle: If the current motor is an intermittent duty, it is possible to upgrade to continuous. Air-over must be installed in the driven fan blade’s airstream.
e below. - Bearing Type: Sleeve or ball bearings
- Thermal Protection
Step 2: Determine Your Motor Type
General-Purpose Motors are intended for mechanical loads, air-moving, and for hard to start applications such as conveyors, belt-driven equipment, machine tools, and reciprocating pumps. These motors utilize ball bearings to handle heavier loads and heavier construction for industrial applications.
Definite-Purpose Motors are used in specific applications and the motor’s features are all driven by the specific application. Such motors include washdown, hazardous location, pump duty, etc.
HVAC Motors are designed primarily for air moving and other light to medium duty applications such as fans, centrifugal pumps, small tools, and office equipment. DC Motors are used in numerous industrial applications because the speed to torque relationship is so flexible. Speeds can be varied, and full torque can be reached within the operational speed range.
DC Motors are used on constant-torque loads such as conveyor belts, elevators, cranes, and more.
Step 3: Select the Motor
Sustainable Supply has a great selection of electric motors, including HVAC motors, definite purpose motors, dc motors, and more! Order today and take advantage of fast shipping on the many varieties of industrial and commercial motors. Our huge selection provides you with the right product for any application. These heavy-duty motors are suitable for use with fans, blowers, whole-house fans, air circulators, air coolers and more. We also carry energy-saving motors, such as totally enclosed fan-cooled motors that are NEMA premium recognized as environmentally preferred and highly efficient. Check out our full selection of electric motors with over 4000 models to choose from.
