You are on page 1of 2

MOTOR TERMINOLOGY

Ambient (Amb.) The temperature of the space around the motor. Most motors are designed to operate in an ambient not over 40C (104F). Note: A rating of 40C Ambient is not the same as a rating of 40C Rise; see Temperature Rise. Bearings (Brgs.) Basic types: Sleeve (Slv.) A bearing that is made of a sleeve bushing. In fractional hp motors, sleeve bearings are used on motors with low to moderate radial and axial loads. Unit Motors are constructed with a long, single sleeve bearing. For fan duty only. All-position mounting unless otherwise stated. Ball Used where higher load capacity is required or ball bearing is preference. Common means used to keep out dirt: Shields Metal rings with close running clearance on one side (single-shielded) or both sides (double shielded) of bearing. Seals Similar to shields, except have rubber lips that press against inner race, more effectively excluding dirt, etc. Capacitors A device that stores electrical energy. When connected in an alternating current circuit, the capacitor causes the current to lead the voltage in time phase. Two kinds of capacitors are normally used in AC induction motors. A start capacitor is connected in series with the auxiliary circuit. It can only stay energized for a short period of time. Therefore it is only energized when the motor is started and it is removed from the circuit after the motor reaches operating speed. The run capacitor can stay energized continuously. Therefore, it stays in the circuit even after the motor reaches operation speed and used in PSC and the running circuit of capacitor-start capacitor-run motors. Capacitor value and voltage rating are essential to the proper motor operation. Always use the correct capacitor as specified by the motor manufacturer to insure maximum performance and life and safe operation of the motor. Efficiency The ratio of output power divided by input power; usually expressed as a percentage. A measure of how well the electrical energy input to a motor is converted into mechanical energy at the output shaft. The higher the efficiency, the better the conversion process and the lower the operating costs. Enclosure (Encl.) Defines the motor construction according to environmental protection and method of cooling. Types include: Open A motor that has openings, which permit passage of external cooling air over and around the windings. Usually used indoors, in fairly clean locations. Open Dripproof (ODP) Ventilation openings are so constructed that successful operation is not interfered with when drops of liquid or solid particles strike or enter the enclosure at any angle from 0 to15 degrees downward from vertical. Weather-Protected Type I (WPI) Ventilation passages are so constructed as to minimize the entrance of rain, snow and air-borne particles to the electric parts. Weather-Protected Type II (WPII) In addition to the enclosure defined for a Weather-Protected Type I motor, its ventilating passages at both intake and discharge are so arranged that high velocity air and air-borne particles blown into the motor by storms or high winds can be discharged without entering the internal ventilation passages leading directly to the electrical parts of the motor. Totally Enclosed A motor, which is enclosed to prevent the free exchange of air between the inside and outside of the motor, but not sufficiently enclosed to be termed airtight. Air and dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the motor. Used in locations, which are dirty, damp and oily, etc. Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) A frame-surface cooled motor equipped for self exterior cooling by means of a fan or fans integral with the motor but external to the enclosing parts. Totally Enclosed Non-ventilated (TENV) A frame-surface cooled motor which is only equipped for cooling by free convection. Not equipped with an external cooling fan. Totally Enclosed Air-Over (TEAO) A frame-surface cooled motor intended for exterior cooling by a ventilating means external to the motor. Frame Usually refers to the NEMA system of standardized motor mounting dimensions, which facilitates interchangeability. Full-Load Amps (FLA) Line current (amperage) drawn by a motor when operating at rated HP and voltage. Shown on motor nameplate. Important for proper wire size selection, motor starter heater selection, and over current protection. Hazardous Location Motor A totally enclosed motor designed to withstand an internal explosion of specified gases or vapors and not allow the internal flame or explosion to escape. Hertz (Hz) Frequency, in cycles per second, of AC power; usually 60 Hz in the USA and 50 Hz overseas. Horsepower See Power. Insulation (Ins.) In motors, usually classified by maximum allowable operating temperatures as defined by U.L.: Class A - 105C (221F) Class B - 130C (266F) Class F - 155C (311F) Class H - 180C (356F) Motor Speeds: Synchronous The theoretical maximum speed at which an induction-type motor can operate. Synchronous speed is determined by the power line frequency and motor design (number of poles) and calculated by the formula: Syn. RPM = Power Supply Hz x 120 No. of Poles Full-Load The nominal speed at which an induction motor operates under rated HP conditions. This will always be less than the synchronous speed and will vary depending on the rating and characteristics of the particular motor. For example, four pole 60 Hz fractional horsepower motors have a synchronous speed of 1800 RPM, a nominal full load speed (as shown on the nameplate) of 1725 RPM, and an actual full load speed ranging from 1715 to 1745 RPM.

www.emersonmotors.com

399

MOTOR TERMINOLOGY

ELEVATORS

AIR COMPRESSOR

GATE AND DOOR

MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
Motor Types Classified by operating characteristics and/or type of power required: Single Phase Available in these types: Shaded Pole Low starting torque. Usually used in direct-drive fans and blowers. Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Performance and applications similar to shaded pole but more efficient, with lower line current and higher horsepower capabilities. Split-Phase Start, Induction Run (or simply Split-Phase) Moderate starting torque, high breakdown torque. Used on easystarting equipment such as belt-driven fans and blowers, grinders, centrifugal pumps, gear motors, etc. Split-Phase Start, Capacitor Run Same performance as induction run, except higher efficiency. Capacitor Start, Induction Run (or Capacitor Start) High starting and breakdown torque, medium starting current. Used on hard-starting applications: compressors, positive displacement pumps, farm equipment, etc. Capacitor Start, Capacitor Run Similar to capacitor start, induction run, except have higher efficiency. Generally used in higher HP single-phase ratings. Three Phase Operate on three-phase power only. High starting and breakdown torque, high efficiency, medium starting current, simple, rugged design, long life. For industrial uses. Direct Current (DC) Usable only if DC available. Use with a DC/SCR control enables adjustable-speed applications. Mounting (Mtg.) Basic types: Bolted Motor is attached to frame with removable bolts. Rigid Motor solidly fastened to equipment through metal base that is welded, bolted, or cast into the metal shell or clamped to the end shield hubs. Cradle/Resilient (Res.) Motor shell isolated from base by vibrationabsorbing material, such as rubber rings on the end shields, to reduce transmission of vibration to the driven equipment. Face or Flange Shaft end has a flat mounting surface, machined to standard dimensions, with holes to allow easy, secure mounting to driven equipment. Commonly used on pumps, oil burners and gear reducers. Stud Motor has bolts extending from front or rear, by which it is mounted. Often used on small, direct-drive fans and blowers. Yoke Tabs or ears are welded to motor shell, to allow bolting motor to a fan column or bracket. Power The energy used to do work. Also the rate at which work is done. Measured in watts, horsepower, etc. Power Factor The ratio of real power (watts) divided by apparent power (volt-amperes). Do not confuse power factor with efficiency. A measure of the extent to which power transmission or distribution systems are fully utilized. Power Supply The voltage of the supply line, which can be single phase or three phase. Rotation (Rot.) Direction in which shaft rotates: CW = clockwise CCW = counterclockwise Rev (CW/CCW) = reversible or bi-directional rotation which can be changed. Service Factor (SF) A measure of the reserve margin built into a motor. Motors rated over 1.0 SF have more than normal margin, and are used where unusual conditions such as occasional high or low voltage, momentary overloads, etc., are likely to occur. Severe Duty A totally enclosed motor with extra protection (for example: shaft slinger, gasketed terminal box) to resist entry of contaminants. Used in extra dirty, damp or other non-hazardous contaminated environments. Temperature Rise The amount by which a motor, operating under rated conditions, is hotter than its surroundings. On most motors, manufacturers have replaced the Rise rating on the motor nameplate with a listing of the Ambient temperature rating, insulation class and service factor. Thermal Protector A temperature-sensing device built into the motor that shuts off the motor if the temperature becomes excessive due to failure-to-start or overloading. Especially important for motors that start automatically, are located remotely, unattended or out-ofsight of operator. Basic types: Automatic Reset (Auto) After motor cools, thermal protector automatically restores power. Should not be used where unexpected restarting would be hazardous. Manual Reset (Man.) An external button must be pushed to restore power to motor. Preferred where unexpected restarting would be hazardous, as on saws, conveyors, compressors, etc. Impedance (Imp.) or Impedance Protected Motor is designed so that it will not burn out in less than 15 days under locked rotor (stalled) conditions, in accordance with UL standard No. 519. Thermostat A temperature sensing device, with external leads, which must be properly connected to the control circuit of the motor controller to limit the frame or winding temperature of the motor. Torque Twist, or turning ability, as applied to a shaft. Measured in foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.), inch-pounds (in.-lbs.), ounce-feet (oz.-ft.) or ounce-inches (oz.-in.). In motors the torque values are: Locked Rotor Torque, or Starting Torque The maximum torque produced at initial start. Breakdown Torque The maximum torque a motor will produce while running, without an abrupt drop in speed and power. Voltage The pressure in an electrical system. The force pushing the electric current through the circuit, like pressure in a water system.

INDEX

REFERENCE DATA

CONVERSION CENTER

KITS & ACCESSORIES

VERTICAL PUMP

POWER TOOL

400

www.emersonmotors.com

You might also like