Electric Motors

There are many types of electric motors, some smaller than a

human hair others large enough to power a locomotive. For the
purpose of this page we will be discussing induction motors which
are typically found on most workshop machinery such as air
compressors, drill presses, table saws, band saws, jointers, shapers Hor
and lathes. These types of motors have no brushes and work only
on alternating current. They may range in size from 1/4 horsepower Phase,
up to 5 horsepower or more.

To find the specs of an electric motor check the name plate, it will tell you among other things:

T
Manufacturer's type and frame designation
Horsepower output.
Time rating. O
Maximum ambient temperature for which motor is designed.
Insulation system designation. Older machi
RPM at rated load. pattern where t
Frequency. the common
Number of phases. around for this
Rated load current. flat iron, drill ho
Voltage. mounting and
iron to fit

Types of Motors

Split Phase

The split phase motor is mostly used for "medium starting" applications. It has start and run windings,
both are energized when the motor is started. When the motor reaches about 75% of its rated full load
speed, the starting winding is disconnected by an automatic switch.

Uses
Gear and
This motor is used where stops and starts are somewhat frequent. Common applications of split
phase motors include: fans, blowers, office machines and tools such as small saws or drill presses
where the load is applied after the motor has obtained its operating speed.

Capacitor Start

This motor has a capacitor in series with a starting winding and provides more than double the starting
torque with one third less starting current than the split phase motor. Because of this improved starting
ability, the capacitor start motor is used for loads which are hard to start. It has good efficiency and
requires starting currents of approximately five times full load current. The capacitor and starting
windings are disconnected from the circuit by an automatic switch when the motor reaches about 75%
of its rated full load speed.

Uses

Common uses include: compressors, pumps, machine tools, air conditioners, conveyors, blowers,
fans and other hard to start applications.

Horsepower & RPM

Horsepower L

Electric motors are rated by horsepower, the home shop will probably utilize motors from 1/4 HP for It is often less e
small tools and up to 5 HP on air compressors. Not all motors are rated the same, some are rated on a 220 volt t
under load, others as peak horsepower, hence we have 5 HP compressors with huge motors and 5 make
Hp shopvacs with tiny little motors. Unfortunately all 5 HP compressor motors are not equal in actual
power either, to judge the true horsepower the easiest way is to look at the amperage of the motor.
Electric motors are not efficient, most have a rating of about 50% due to factors such as heat and
friction, some may be as high as 70%.
Repl
This chart will give you a basic idea of the true horse power rating compared to the ampere rating.
Motors with a higher efficiency rating will draw fewer amps, for example a 5 HP motor with a 50%
efficiency rating will draw about 32 amps at 230 VAC compared to about 23 amps for a motor with a
70% rating.

TRUE HP AMPS at 115VAC AMPS at 230 VAC

1/4 3.2 - 2.3 1.6 -1.2
1/3 4.3 - 3.1 2.2 - 1.5
Buy
1/2 6.5 - 4.6 3.2 - 2.3
3/4 9.7- 7.0 4.9 - 3.5
1 13.0 - 9.3 6.5 - 4.6
1 1/2 19.5 - 13.9 9.7 - 7.0
2 25.9 - 18.5 13.0 - 9.3
5 64.9 - 46.3 32.4 - 23.2

A quick general calculation when looking at a motor is 1 HP = 10 amps on 110 volts and 1 HP = 5
amps on 220 volts.

RPM

The shaft on a typical shop motor will rotate at either 1725 or 3450 RPM (revolutions per minute).

The speed of the driven machine will be determined by the size of pulleys used, for example a 3450
RPM motor can be replaced by a 1750 RPM motor if the diameter of the pulley on the motor is
doubled. The opposite is true as well but if the pulley on the 1750 RPM motor is small it is not always
possible to replace it with one half the size. It may be possible to double the pulley size on the driven
machine if it uses a standard type of pulley, (not easily done on air compressors for example).
Electronic speed reducers such as the ones sold for routers will not work on induction type motors.

Phase, Voltage & Rotation

Whether or not you can use a motor will likely depend on these factors.

Single Phase

Ordinary household wiring is single phase, alternating current. Each cycle peaks and dips as shown.
To run a three phase motor a phase converter must be used, usually this is not practical, it is often
less expensive to change the motor on a machine to a single phase style.

Three Phase

This is used in industrial shops, rather than peaks and valleys the current supply is more even
because of the other two cycles each offset by 120 degrees.

Voltage

Many motors are dual voltage, by simply changing the wiring configuration they can be run on 110
volts or 220 volts. Motors usually run better on 220 volts, especially if there is any line loss because of
having to use a long wire to reach the power supply.

Motors are available for both AC and DC current, your typical home wiring will be AC, there are DC
converters available which are used in applications where the speed of the motor is controlled.

Rotation

The direction the shaft rotates can be changed on most motors by switching the right wires, there is
usually a diagram on the motor.

The direction of rotation is usually determined by viewing the motor from the shaft end and is
designated as CW (clockwise) or CCW (counter-clockwise). Note: Some manufactures may have a
different method of determining shaft rotation but will usually make a note of it.
 Back of plate showing voltage and rotation terminals

Frame Style
Motors are built to standard specifications, such as shaft height, shaft diameter, and style of mounting.
The different styles are defined by a number and lettering system developed by Nema (See Reference
Chart).

Types of Mounts

The three most common types of mounts you will find are:

Rigid base

Is bolted, welded or cast on main frame and allows motor to be rigidly mounted.

Resilient base

Has isolation or resilient rings between motor mounting hubs and base to absorb vibration and noise.

NEMA C face mount

Has a machined face which allows direct mounting, bolts pass through mounted part to threaded holes
in the motor face.

Enclosures

The two most commonly used styles are: Static

ODP

An ODP enclosure on a motor means "Open, Drip Proof". They are relatively inexpensive motors used
in normal applications. The construction of an ODP motor consists of a sheet metal enclosure with
vent stamped to allow good air flow. The vents are designed in such a way that water dripping on the
motor will not normally flow into the motor. A fan is mounted on the motor's rear shaft to pull air
through the motor to keep the motor cool.

TEFC

A TEFC enclosure on a motor means "Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled". This is probably the most
commonly used motor in ordinary industrial environments. It costs only a few dollars more than the Orde
open motor, yet offers good protection against common hazards. It is constructed with a small fan on
the rear shaft of the motor, usually covered by a housing. This fan draws air over the motor fins,
removing excess heat and cooling the motor. The enclosure is "Totally Enclosed". This ordinarily
means that the motor is dust tight, and has a moderate water seal as well. Note that TEFC motors are
not secure against high pressure water.

Switching

Low Voltage (110)

Use a "Single Pole/Single Throw" switch since only

the black wire needs to be switched.
High Voltage (220)

Use a "Double Pole/Single Throw" since both the

black and white wires need to be switched.

This configuration may also be used on a Low

Voltage machine if there is a possibility it will be
changed to High Voltage later on.

Troubleshooting
Before you start to work on the motor, MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF. Always turn the power off
at the electrical service entrance breaker box or fuse, to prevent electrical shock.

FAILURE TO START
1. Check for blown line fuse or tripped breaker.
2. Allow motor to cool and try to reset.
3. One of the most common problems in a woodworking shop is a build-up of sawdust in the motor,
especially with open drip proof motors. Give the motor a shot of air to blow out the sawdust, nine times
out of ten this will get the motor to start again, to fix the problem the motor should be replaced with a
totally enclosed, fan cooled model.

MOTOR IS NOISY

Excessive vibration.
1. Check for loose mounting.
2. Check shaft alignment.
3. Check for bent shaft.

Excessive noise.
1. Check for damaged bearings. Replace as necessary.
2. Check for rotor rub by rotating the shaft slowly by hand.

OVERHEATING

(Motor runs but overload trips)

1. Check for adequate ventilation. Be sure motor vent holes (or fan blades) are free of obstructions.
2. Use a shorter or heavier gauge extension cord.

For more detailed information see this page from Reliance Electric