MOTOR TERMINOLOGY

Ambient (Amb.) – The temperature of the space around the motor. Totally Enclosed – A motor, which is enclosed to prevent the free
Most motors are designed to operate in an ambient not over 40°C exchange of air between the inside and outside of the motor, but not
(104°F). sufficiently enclosed to be termed airtight. Air and dust does not
enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of
Note: A rating of 40°C Ambient is not the same as a rating of 40°C Rise;
the motor. Used in locations, which are dirty, damp and oily, etc.
see Temperature Rise.
Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) – A frame-surface cooled motor
Bearings (Brgs.) – Basic types:
equipped for self exterior cooling by means of a fan or fans integral
Sleeve (Slv.) – A bearing that is made of a sleeve bushing. In fraction- with the motor but external to the enclosing parts.
al hp motors, sleeve bearings are used on motors with low to moder-
Totally Enclosed Non-ventilated (TENV) – A frame-surface cooled
ate radial and axial loads.
motor which is only equipped for cooling by free convection. Not
Unit – Motors are constructed with a long, single sleeve bearing. For equipped with an external cooling fan.
fan duty only. All-position mounting unless otherwise stated.
Totally Enclosed Air-Over (TEAO) – A frame-surface cooled motor
Ball – Used where higher load capacity is required or ball bearing is intended for exterior cooling by a ventilating means external to the
preference. Common means used to keep out dirt: motor.
Shields – Metal rings with close running clearance on one side (sin- Explosion-Proof – A totally enclosed motor designed to withstand an
gle-shielded) or both sides (double shielded) of bearing. internal explosion of specified gases or vapors and not allow the internal
flame or explosion to escape.

MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
Seals – Similar to shields, except have rubber lips that press
against inner race, more effectively excluding dirt, etc. Frame – Usually refers to the NEMA system of standardized motor
Capacitors – A device that stores electrical energy. When connected in mounting dimensions, which facilitates interchangeability.
an alternating current circuit, the capacitor causes the current to lead Full-Load Amps (FLA) – Line current (amperage) drawn by a motor
the voltage in time phase. Two kinds of capacitors are normally used in when operating at rated HP and voltage. Shown on motor nameplate.
ac induction motors. A start capacitor is connected in series with the Important for proper wire size selection, motor starter heater selection,
auxiliary circuit. It can only stay energized for a short period of time. and over current protection.
Therefore it is only energized when the motor is started and it is
Hertz (Hz) – Frequency, in cycles per second, of AC power; usually 60 Hz
removed from the circuit after the motor reaches operating speed. The
in the USA and 50 Hz overseas.
run capacitor can stay energized continuously. Therefore, it stays in the
circuit even after the motor reaches operation speed and used in PSC Horsepower – See Power.
and the running circuit of capacitor-start capacitor-run motors.
Insulation (Ins.) – In motors, usually classified by maximum allowable
Capacitor value and voltage rating are essential to the proper motor operating temperatures as defined by U.L.:
operation. Always use the correct capacitor as specified by the motor
Class A - 105°C (221°F)
manufacturer to insure maximum performance and life and safe opera-
tion of the motor. Class B - 130°C (266°F)
Efficiency – The ratio of output power divided by input power; usually Class F - 155°C (311°F)
expressed as a percentage. A measure of how well the electrical energy Class H - 180°C (356°F)
input to a motor is converted into mechanical energy at the output
shaft. The higher the efficiency, the better the conversion process and Motor Speeds:
the lower the operating costs. Synchronous — The theoretical maximum speed at which an induc-
Enclosure (Encl.) – Defines the motor construction according to envi- tion-type motor can operate. Synchronous speed is determined by
ronmental protection and method of cooling. Types include: the power line frequency and motor design (number of poles) and
calculated by the formula:
Open – A motor that has openings, which permit passage of external
cooling air over and around the windings. Usually used indoors, in Syn. RPM = Power Supply Hz x 120
fairly clean locations. No. of Poles
Open Dripproof (ODP) – Ventilation openings are so constructed that Full-Load – The nominal speed at which an induction motor operates
successful operation is not interfered with when drops of liquid or under rated HP conditions. This will always be less than the synchro-
solid particles strike or enter the enclosure at any angle from 0 to15 nous speed and will vary depending on the rating and characteristics
degrees downward from vertical. of the particular motor. For example, four pole 60 Hz fractional
horsepower motors have a synchronous speed of 1800 RPM, a nomi-
Weather-Protected Type I (WPI) – Ventilation passages are so con- nal full load speed (as shown on the nameplate) of 1725 RPM, and an
structed as to minimize the entrance of rain, snow and air-borne par- actual full load speed ranging from 1715 to 1745 RPM.
ticles 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
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.
 MOTOR TERMINOLOGY
CONTINUED

Motor Types – Classified by operating characteristics and/or type of Rotation (Rot.) – Direction in which shaft rotates:
power required:
CW = clockwise
Single Phase – Available in these types:
CCW = counterclockwise
Shaded Pole – Low starting torque. Usually used in direct-drive
Rev (CW/CCW) = reversible or bi-directional rotation which can be
fans and blowers.
changed.
Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) – Performance and applications
Service Factor (SF) – A measure of the reserve margin built into a
similar to shaded pole but more efficient, with lower line current
motor. Motors rated over 1.0 SF have more than normal margin, and
and higher horsepower capabilities.
are used where unusual conditions such as occasional high or low volt-
Split-Phase Start, Induction Run (or simply Split-Phase) – age, momentary overloads, etc., are likely to occur.
Moderate starting torque, high breakdown torque. Used on easy-
Severe Duty – A totally enclosed motor with extra protection (for exam-
starting equipment such as belt-driven fans and blowers, grinders,
ple: shaft slinger, gasketed terminal box…) to resist entry of contami-
centrifugal pumps, gear motors, etc.
nants. Used in extra dirty, damp or other non-hazardous contaminated
Split-Phase Start, Capacitor Run – Same performance as induction environments.
MOTOR TERMINOLOGY CONTINUED

run, except higher efficiency.

Temperature Rise – The amount by which a motor, operating under
Capacitor Start, Induction Run (or Capacitor Start) – High starting rated conditions, is hotter than its surroundings. On most motors, man-
and breakdown torque, medium starting current. Used on hard- ufacturers have replaced the Rise rating on the motor nameplate with a
starting applications: compressors, positive displacement pumps, listing of the Ambient temperature rating, insulation class and service
farm equipment, etc. factor.
Capacitor Start, Capacitor Run – Similar to capacitor start, induc- Thermal Protector – A temperature-sensing device built into the motor
tion run, except have higher efficiency. Generally used in higher HP that shuts off the motor if the temperature becomes excessive due to
single-phase ratings. failure-to-start or overloading. Especially important for motors that
start automatically, are located remotely, unattended or out-of-sight of
Three Phase – Operate on three-phase power only. High starting and
operator. Basic types:
breakdown torque, high efficiency, medium starting current, simple,
rugged design, long life. For industrial uses. Automatic Reset (Auto) – After motor cools, thermal protector auto-
matically restores power. Should not be used where unexpected
Direct Current (DC) – Usable only if DC available. Use with a DC/SCR
restarting would be hazardous.
control enables adjustable-speed applications.
Manual Reset (Man.) – An external button must be pushed to restore
Mounting (Mtg.) – Basic types:
power to motor. Preferred where unexpected restarting would be
Bolted – Motor is attached to frame with removable bolts. hazardous, as on saws, conveyors, compressors, etc.
Rigid – Motor solidly fastened to equipment through metal base that Impedance (Imp.) or Impedance Protected – Motor is designed so
is welded, bolted, or cast into the metal shell or clamped to the end that it will not burn out in less than 15 days under locked rotor
shield hubs. (stalled) conditions, in accordance with UL standard No. 519.
Cradle/Resilient (Res.) – Motor shell isolated from base by vibration- Thermostat – A temperature sensing device, with external leads, which
absorbing material, such as rubber rings on the end shields, to must be properly connected to the control circuit of the motor con-
reduce transmission of vibration to the driven equipment. troller to limit the frame or winding temperature of the motor.
Face or Flange – Shaft end has a flat mounting surface, machined to Torque – Twist, or turning ability, as applied to a shaft. Measured in
standard dimensions, with holes to allow easy, secure mounting to foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.), inch-pounds (in.-lbs.), ounce-feet (oz.-ft.) or
driven equipment. Commonly used on pumps, oil burners and gear ounce-inches (oz.-in.). In motors the torque values are:
reducers.
Locked Rotor Torque, or Starting Torque – The maximum torque
Stud – Motor has bolts extending from front or rear, by which it is produced at initial start.
mounted. Often used on small, direct-drive fans and blowers.
Breakdown Torque – The maximum torque a motor will produce
Yoke – Tabs or ears are welded to motor shell, to allow bolting motor while running, without an abrupt drop in speed and power.
to a fan column or bracket.
Voltage – The pressure in an electrical system. The force pushing the
Power – The energy used to do work. Also the rate at which work is electric current through the circuit, like pressure in a water system.
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 sys-
tems are fully utilized.
Power Supply – The voltage of the supply line, which can be single
phase or three phase.