Are All Air Compressor Motors Created Equal?
My recent pin on Pinterest (shown to the right) addresses several questions regarding air compressor motors.
The first question asks if a horsepower rating is identical for all electric motors listed at the same horsepower.
What do you think?
The truth is, No because, for example, a given 5 horsepower motor might be rated at 16.5 – 17 amps full load while another might be rated at 21 amps full load. This could be almost 3/4 horsepower more power for the more robust motor.
The second question asked if all motors with the identical frame number are the same. The general answer is Yes but, not all manufacturers make their motors the same length so you may find some longer than others The base mounting should be the interchangeable for all motors with the same frame number.
The third question is a catch because the last letter after the frame number can mean several different things.
For example: a 56C frame means that the motor has a “C” frame on the drive end of the motor while a 56 frame does not have a special end bell. Often times you will find a “Z” trailing the frame number and in this case be sure to measure the shaft dimensions to be sure your new motor will fit your application.
The fourth question addresses the Service Factor of the motor and is stamped on the nameplate of the motor as a rule. So what does it mean? Service Factor is a number you can multiply the nameplate amperage of the motor by in order to determine the full load amperage rating of the motor before the winding breaks down. Very simply if the motor has a 1.15 service factor it will out perform a motor with a 1.0 service factor by an additional 15 per cent before the winding breaks down. Certainly a factor worth consideration when buying a motor.
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