How to Read Industrial Motor Nameplates

Understanding industrial motor nameplate data is the critical first step in determining industrial motor replacements. Much of the information needed can generally be obtained from the nameplate. Knowing how to read the nameplate and what the abbreviations stand for will help to ensure you select an appropriate motor replacement. It is also helpful to record all nameplate information as it can save time and confusion in the future.

 

Reading a Motor Nameplate Example

Now that you have identified the Model (1) in the nameplate, you can read it and identify the motor.

Example (For Integral): 2QA215TBDRA7076ALL

This is a breakdown of the model on the nameplate:

2	Q	A	215T	B	D	R	A	7076	AL	L
1	2	3	4	5	7	8	9	10	11	12

 

This is a breakdown of the model in the catalog:

215T	B	D	R	A	7076
4	5	7	8	9	10

 

1. DATE CODE - Year of Manufacture (Not shown in catalog listings.)

    

2. THERMAL PROTECTION (Not shown in catalog listings.)

    

3. DATE CODE - Month of Manufacturer (Not shown in catalog listings.)

    

4. NEMA^® FRAME SIZE - (Integral motors - T and U designate standard shaft, TS and US designate short shaft)

    

5. ELECTRICAL TYPE

    

   Single Phase:

   A = Permanent split capacitor

   B = Capacitor start, capacitor run

   C = Capacitor start, induction run

   N = Split phase start, capacitor run

   S = Split phase

   Three Phase:

   T = Three phase

   H = Inverter Duty/IEEE841 Inverter Duty

   V = Medium Voltage

   DC Power:

   E = Permanent Magnet DC

    

6. ENCLOSURE

    

   D = Dripproof

   E = Explosion proof, non-ventilated

   F = Totally enclosed, fan cooled

   G = Explosion proof, fan cooled

   O = Open

   P = Partial

   S = Semi-enclosed

   T = Totally enclosed, non-ventilated

   V = Wash Down, non-ventilated

   W = Wash Down, fan cooled

    

7. FRAME CONSTRUCTION

    

   Integral

   L = Aluminum (Full Frame)

   Y = Aluminum (Full Frame)

   Z = Aluminum (High Mount Down Frame)

   H = Aluminum - Sourced

   R = Rolled Steel (Full Frame)

   W = Rolled Steel (Full Frame)

   X = Rolled Steel (High Mount Down Frame)

   B = Rolled Steel - Sourced

   S = Cast Iron (Full Frame)

   N = Cast Iron (Full Frame)

   P = Cast Iron (High Mount Down Frame)

   C = Cast Iron - Sourced

   D = Stainless Steel

    

8. STYLE LETTER (A, B, C, etc. indicate redesign)

    

9. SEQUENCE NUMBER

    

10. MINOR MODIFICATION LETTER(S)

    Integral - 2 letters

     

11. MANUFACTURING CODE - A code for the factory where the motor was manufactured.