WHATISAMOTOR’SIECDUTYCYCLE?

The duty cycle ratings provided by the IEC are different from that provided by the NEMA. The
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides definitions for continuous,
intermittent, and special duty cycles for alternating current (AC) motors. These duty cycles are
commonly specified in minutes. On the other end, the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) apply nine distinct duty cycle designations.This is because the standard IEC 60034-1 states
that the NEMA uses continuous duty cycles.

The frequency and length of normal operations are both included in the concept of the duty
cycle. This includes starting, running with either no or full load, using the electric brakes, and
stopping and resting.

The nine different IEC duty cycles, together with their particular characteristics, are outlined in
the following table:

Type of Duty
Designation Description
Cycle

Continuous Continuous operation with a constant load for a time period long enough
S1
Running Duty to attain thermal equilibrium.

The machine is run at a constant load for a period of time that is shorter
Short-Time than the time necessary to attain thermal equilibrium. This is followed by
S2
Duty a period of rest that allows the machine to attain a temperature that is
comparable to that of coolant, with a tolerance of two Kelvin.

A series of identical duty cycles, each of which includes a time of

operation at constant load & a rest (during which the device is
Intermittent
S3 disconnected from the mains), is called a duty cycle sequence. When it
Periodic Duty
comes to this type of task, the starting current doesn’t have a major
impact on the increase in temperature.

Intermittent A series of identical duty cycles, with each one including a large period
S4 Periodic Duty of starting, followed by a period under steady load, and then a period of
with Starting rest.

Intermittent A series of cycles that are all exactly the same, with each one starting
Periodic Duty with a period of starting, continuing with a period of operation at a
S5
with Electric constant load, and then concluding with a period of quick electric braking
Braking and a period of rest.

S6 Continuous- A set of similar duty cycles, each of which consists of a time of operation
 Type of Duty
Designation Description
Cycle

Operation while carrying a constant load & a period of operation while carrying no
Periodic Duty load. There is no time for pause or break.

Continuous-
Operation A series of similar duty cycles, each of which consists of a period of
S7 Periodic Duty starting, followed by a operating period at constant load, and then an
with Electric electric braking phase. There is no time for rest or break.
Braking

Continuous
Operation
The duty cycle comprises a sequence of the identical duty cycles, wherein
Periodic Duty
S8 each cycle includes a consistent load time that corresponds with a
with related
predetermined rotational speed.
Load & Speed
Changes

Duty with
A type of duty in which the weight and the speed are allowed to fluctuate
Non-Periodic
S9 at irregular intervals but remain within the allowable range. This duty
Load & Speed
involves regular overloads, some of which may even surpass the full load.
Variations