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The nameplate typically includes the manufacturer’s name, motor model number, and – Manufacturer’s Name: Identifies the company that produced the motor.
Example: “ABC Motors, Model XYZ-123, SN: 20210630-001”
Importance: Crucial for ordering replacements, accessing technical support, and maintaining accurate equipment records.
Power rating is usually expressed in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW).
Conversion: 1 HP = 0.746 kW
Example: “5 HP (3.73 kW)”
Additional Information:
– Some nameplates may list both output power and input power.
– For metric motors, power might be expressed in kW only.
Importance: Determines the motor’s capacity to perform work and is crucial for matching the motor to the load requirements.
The nameplate will specify the rated voltage or voltage range at which the motor is designed to operate. For multi-voltage motors, the nameplate may show two voltage ratings, such as “230/460V”, indicating the motor can be configured for either voltage.
Examples:
Importance: Crucial for proper electrical installation and to prevent damage from incorrect voltage application.
The full-load current or rated current is the current draw at the motor’s rated power output.
Example: “FLA: 13.8/6.9A” (for a 230/460V motor)
Importance: Critical for sizing electrical supply wiring, circuit protection devices, and motor starters.
Standard motor frequencies are 50 Hz (common in Europe, Asia, Africa) and 60 Hz (North America, parts of South America). Some motors are designed to operate at both frequencies, which will be indicated.
Example: “60 Hz” or “50/60 Hz”
Importance: Must match the power supply frequency for proper operation. Affects motor speed and performance characteristics.
The nameplate will list the rated speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). For induction motors, this is typically slightly less than the synchronous speed due to slip.
Example: “1750 RPM” (for a 4-pole motor at 60 Hz)
Importance: Critical for matching motor speed to application requirements and for calculating gear ratios if needed.
This indicates whether the motor is designed for single-phase or three-phase power supply.
Example: “3~” (indicating three-phase) or “1~” (for single-phase)
Importance: Must match the available power supply. Affects motor starting characteristics and overall performance.
The power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power to apparent power. It’s typically expressed as a decimal or percentage.
Example: “PF 0.85” or “PF 85%”
Importance: Affects overall system efficiency and may impact electrical system design, particularly in large installations.
Motor efficiency is usually expressed as a percentage, representing the ratio of mechanical power output to electrical power input. High-efficiency motors will have higher values.
Example: “Eff. 89.5%” or “IE3” (indicating Premium Efficiency class)
Importance: Higher efficiency motors reduce operating costs and energy consumption. May be subject to regulatory requirements in some regions.
The duty cycle indicates the operating cycle for which the motor is designed. Common ratings incude:
Importance: Ensures the motor is used in applications matching its thermal capabilities and design parameters.
The insulation class indicates the maximum operating temperature of the motor’s insulation system. Common classes are A, B, F, and H.
Example: “Insul. Class F”
Common Insulation Classes:
Importance: Determines the motor’s ability to withstand heat, affecting its longevity and ability to handle overload conditions.
This indicates the level of protection provided by the motor’s housing against environmental factors.
Examples:
Importance: Crucial for ensuring the motor is suitable for its operating environment, considering factors like dust, water, and potentially explosive atmospheres.
The frame size provides standardized information about the motor’s mounting dimensions.
Example: “Frame 184T”
Importance: Essential for ensuring proper physical fit and alignment in the application. Critical for replacement and interchangeability.
The service factor (SF) indicates the permissible overload capacity of the motor, typically expressed as a multiplier.
Example: “SF 1.15”
Importance: Indicates the motor’s ability to handle temporary overload conditions. Affects motor selection for applications with variable loads.
Some nameplates include type and model number information about the bearings used in the motor.
Example: “Bearings: DE 6205Z, ODE 6204Z”
Importance: Crucial for maintenance and replacement of bearings. Helps in determining suitable operating conditions and lubrication requirements.
The temperature rise indicates how much the motor’s temperature is expected to increase above ambient temperature at full load.
Example: “Temp Rise: 80°C”
Importance: Critical for understanding the motor’s thermal behavior and ensuring it operates within its thermal limits.
The maximum ambient temperature in which the motor is designed to operate without derating.
Example: “Amb. 40°C”
Importance: Ensures the motor is suitable for the intended operating environment. Affects motor selection and potential need for additional cooling.
The maximum altitude above sea level at which the motor can operate without derating.
Example: “Alt. 1000m”
Importance: Critical for applications in high-altitude locations. Affects motor cooling and potentially its power output.
When evaluating a motor nameplate, consider the following parameters:
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