Electric Motor Overview
This page will offer an outline of the various topics we'll be discussing about Electric Motors. At A.R.&E., electric motors are our signature business so this topic may be an extended one. Plus the fact that there are a lot of different types motors in use today. We may only scratch the surface of some of the "lesser known and used" ones, but we'll do our best to give you sufficient information to help you make a relatively educated decision on the right motor for the right job.
Standards
There are two standards that exist for Electric Motors in the world. Motor standards are grouped into two major categories: NEMA and IEC (and its derivatives). In North America, NEMA sets motor standards, including what should go on the nameplate (NEMA Standard MG 1-10.40). This publication assists users in the proper selection and application of motors and generators. It offers practical information concerning performance, safety, test, construction and manufacture of AC & DC motors, and generators.
While the above paragraph is accurate, IEC is becoming more prevalent in the USA that it used to be. Most, if not all, electric motor manufacturers now offer both NEMA and IEC motor lines within the United States.
Single Phase Motors
Single phase motors are used more in the residential and agricultural markets than they are in the commercial and industrial realm. And that really has to do with the availability of 3-phase power lines. Three phase motors are certainly more reliable with less moving parts than their single-phase counterpart, but electrical distribution of 3-phase power simply hasn't reached the residential and rural territories here in the USA. Other parts of the world use 3-phase electrical power for residential markets much more than is found here in the United States.
In our discussion, we'll address the various types of single-phase motors in use today. A sampling of the types is: Capacitor Start-Induction Run, Capacitor Start-Capacitor Run, Permanent Split Capacitor, Split Phase, Shaded Pole, Repulsion Induction, and a couple more.
Three Phase Motors
Three phase motors don't really have very many "different types". They're either 3-phase or their not! But there are significant differences in three-phase motors, one being the types of mounting available, as well as the types of enclosures; i.e. Open-drip proof, TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled), TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated), TEAO (Totally Enclosed Air Over), Explosion Proof, etc. So we'll discuss the ins and outs of the enclosures as well as the speeds that are commonly available.
DC Motors
The discussion of DC Motors will include the various types available; i.e. Shunt Wound, Compound Wound, Stabilized Shunt Wound, and Permanent Magnet. DC motors, like their 3-phase counterpart, have different enclosures available, based on atmosphere and operating conditions. We'll look at some of them, like Open Drip Proof, TEFC, TENV, and TEBC (Totally Enclosed Blower Cooled), or TEFC (Totally Enclosed Forced Cooled).
Special Motors
This won't be a very large section but needed to be included simply because some of the motors are tough to classify. We'll look at "Traction" motors, Synchronous Motors, and Stepper Motors.
So pick your subject and get into the details of what we've got to offer, in the way of application information and possible assistance in the purchase for your next project. We're only a phone call away if you need us, and we'd be happy to help.
So use the navigation links supplied in the top menu, the "pop-up" options in the top graphic, or any of the links scattered throughout this page to access the details page of the associated motor. And remember, you can ALWAYS call or send a note, and we'll be happy to help.
| Single Phase Motors | Three Phase Motors | DC Motors | Special Motors |
| Single Phase | Three Phase | DC | Special |
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