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Guide to Understanding The Data on an Electric Motor’s Nameplates

Mike Jeffries | November 2, 2020

Nothing can be quite as aggravating as needing a part and receiving the wrong part for the job. It doesn't matter if you are a mechanic in need of a starter or a carpenter needing a certain sized window, getting the right part at the right time is essential to customer satisfaction.

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The same can be said for the maintenance crew of any industrial manufacturing facility. If a piece of equipment goes down and you get the wrong part to repair, the plant manager isn't going to be very happy.

What Does The Data on an Electric Motor Nameplate Tell You?

By efficiently reading and understanding the data on the nameplate of that motor, perhaps you can keep from being 'that guy' who brought back the wrong motor!

If you look closely there is a lot of information on the nameplate of your dead motor. And just by understanding the basic information given you can be the hero that saved the day.

Let's take a look at the nameplate data and what it means so that you get the right motor on your first trip!

Electric Motor Nameplate Data 101

Overall Basic Information: The nameplate on an electric motor is a treasure trove of information. Some of the more basic information, at times, can be sufficient in providing you with a replacement motor. This information includes: Manufacturer name, model number, and serial number.

Power Input Data: This is the voltage at which the motor operates at. For the most part, electric motors operate at either 230V or 460V. Make sure the operating voltage of your replacement matches the one that failed.

AC Current Phase: Single phase or three-phase are the two most commonly used phase indicators. Again look for a match.

Electric Motor Horsepower: Designated by the letter HP followed by the number of horsepower at the output shaft at maximum RPM's.

RPMs: The maximum revolutions per minute of the output shaft. Sometimes called 'slip' or actual rotor speed.

Duty: In the box marked duty will be the abbreviated word for continuous (CONT) if the motor is to be used continuously. If the motor is used intermittently, such as a crane or lift motor the duty box will indicate the maximum number of minutes the motor can operate.

Electric Motor Construction Data: The construction data will indicate if your motor needs to be in an enclosed structure or the degree to which it should be protected from the environment. It should also indicate if the motor needs to be liquid cooled or not.

Frame: This box is also jammed pack with information on how the motor is to be mounted in your application. Such information as shaft measurements and clearances as well as frame hole dimensions.

Bearings: Bearing play a very important role in the efficient operation of your electric motor. In fact, they are the only part of your electric motor that can be removed and maintained. The bearings are located at the output shaft and opposite end of the motor housing. The bearings in your electric motor can be identified by their AFBMA number. That is the Anti Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association number.

Shaft Rotation: Your motor's shaft rotation will be designated as CW (Clockwise) or CCW (Counter-clockwise) Again, look for the proper matching rotation code.


These basics of nameplate data should be enough information to make sure that the right replacement motor is on its way to get that plant back up and running. If you have any questions about keeping a motor running or troubleshooting why something isn’t working, contact us today to speak with an expert member of our team.

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