MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
Ambient (Amb.) – The temperature of the space around the motor.
Most motors are designed to operate in an ambient not over 40°C
(104°F).
Note: A rating of 40°C Ambient is not the same as a rating of 40°C Rise;
see Temperature Rise.
Bearings (Brgs.) – Basic types:
Sleeve (Slv.) – A bearing that is made of a sleeve bushing. In frac-
tional 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 oper-
ation 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 ener-
gy 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 envi-
ronmental protection and method of cooling. Types include:
Open – A motor that has openings, which permit passage of exter-
nal 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 con-
structed 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 pas-
sages at both intake and discharge are so arranged that high velocity
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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.
MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
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 selec-
tion, 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 - 105°C (221°F)
Class B - 130°C (266°F)
Class F - 155°C (311°F)
Class H - 180°C (356°F)
Motor Speeds:
Synchronous — The theoretical maximum speed at which an induc-
tion-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 synchro-
nous 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 nomi-
nal full load speed (as shown on the nameplate) of 1725 RPM, and an
actual full load speed ranging from 1715 to 1745 RPM.
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 ELEVATORS

MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
GATE AND
DOOR
AIR COMPRESSOR

Motor Types – Classified by operating characteristics and/or type of Power Supply – The voltage of the supply line, which can be single
power required: phase or three phase.
Single Phase – Available in these types: Rotation (Rot.) – Direction in which shaft rotates:
Shaded Pole – Low starting torque. Usually used in direct-drive CW = clockwise
fans and blowers.
POWER TOOL

CCW = counterclockwise
Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) – Performance and applications
Rev (CW/CCW) = reversible or bi-directional rotation which can be
similar to shaded pole but more efficient, with lower line current
changed.
and higher horsepower capabilities.
Service Factor (SF) – A measure of the reserve margin built into a
Split-Phase Start, Induction Run (or simply Split-Phase) –
motor. Motors rated over 1.0 SF have more than normal margin, and
Moderate starting torque, high breakdown torque. Used on easy-
are used where unusual conditions such as occasional high or low volt-
VERTICAL PUMP

starting equipment such as belt-driven fans and blowers,

age, momentary overloads, etc., are likely to occur.
grinders, centrifugal pumps, gear motors, etc.
Severe Duty – A totally enclosed motor with extra protection (for
Split-Phase Start, Capacitor Run – Same performance as induc-
example: shaft slinger, gasketed terminal box…) to resist entry of con-
tion run, except higher efficiency.
taminants. Used in extra dirty, damp or other non-hazardous contami-
Capacitor Start, Induction Run (or Capacitor Start) – High start- nated environments.
ing and breakdown torque, medium starting current. Used on
KITS & ACCESSORIES

Temperature Rise – The amount by which a motor, operating under

hard-starting applications: compressors, positive displacement
pumps, farm equipment, etc.
Capacitor Start, Capacitor Run – Similar to capacitor start, induc-
tion run, except have higher efficiency. Generally used in higher
HP single-phase ratings.
Three Phase – Operate on three-phase power only. High starting
CONVERSION CENTER
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

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.
REFERENCE DATA
due to failure-to-start or overloading. Especially important for motors
that start automatically, are located remotely, unattended or out-of-
sight of operator. Basic types:
Automatic Reset (Auto) – After motor cools, thermal protector
automatically restores power. Should not be used where unexpect-
ed restarting would be hazardous.

Manual Reset (Man.) – An external button must be pushed to

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 vibration-
absorbing 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
INDEX
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

standard dimensions, with holes to allow easy, secure mounting to controller to limit the frame or winding temperature of the motor.
driven equipment. Commonly used on pumps, oil burners and gear
Torque – Twist, or turning ability, as applied to a shaft. Measured in
reducers.
foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.), inch-pounds (in.-lbs.), ounce-feet (oz.-ft.) or
Stud – Motor has bolts extending from front or rear, by which it is ounce-inches (oz.-in.). In motors the torque values are:
mounted. Often used on small, direct-drive fans and blowers.
Locked Rotor Torque, or Starting Torque – The maximum torque
Yoke – Tabs or ears are welded to motor shell, to allow bolting produced at initial start.
motor to a fan column or bracket.
Breakdown Torque – The maximum torque a motor will produce
Power – The energy used to do work. Also the rate at which work is while running, without an abrupt drop in speed and power.
done. Measured in watts, horsepower, etc.
Voltage – The pressure in an electrical system. The force pushing the
Power Factor – The ratio of real power (watts) divided by apparent electric current through the circuit, like pressure in a water system.
power (volt-amperes). Do not confuse power factor with efficiency. A
measure of the extent to which power transmission or distribution sys-
tems are fully utilized.

400 www.emersonmotors.com