General Purpose Vs Definite Purpose Motors

 

What Are General Purpose Motors?

General purpose motors are designed to work with common voltage and frequency standards. This makes them versatile and useful for a wide range of purposes and settings. General purpose induction motors operate at 60 Hz and voltages of 230V or 460V within three-phase systems. In the United States, residential and light commercial applications typically use 60 Hz and either 115 or 230V. Commercial and industrial motors also use 60 Hz but usually employ 208/230/460 voltages.

Mounting matters when it comes to motors, especially general purpose motors. These motors often come with standard mounting options. This makes them very adaptable and reliable to support many different motor configurations. For example, foot-mounted general purpose motors feature flanges on their base. These flanges enable them to be securely attached to another surface. Conveyors and pumps often use this style of mounting.

Other common mounting styles that general purpose motors may use are flange (side) and face (direct) mountings. Although these styles depend on the application and required load.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) required for applications vary depending on end use. To accommodate a wide range of applications, these motors generally range from about 1,700 or 3,600 RPM for single phase and three phase models.

General purpose motors also provide basic protection against dust, moisture and mechanical hazards. This makes them a good option for standard operating conditions.

Key Benefits of General Purpose Motors

If you want an efficient motor fit for different applications, general purpose motors are a convenient choice. These motors are easily interchangeable between any given application. In terms of performance, general purpose motors are also reliable.

How Does a Definite Purpose Motor Differ From a General Purpose motor?

It may seem obvious from their names how definite purpose and general purpose motors differ, but you may be surprised in the specific features that set them apart.

General purpose motors can accommodate many different applications. Likewise, definite purpose motors are built for a specific location or environment. Definite purpose motor solutions provide application-specific reliability in a range of enclosures, frame sizes, and power ranges. Definite purpose motors have a specific job to do. Some applications need definite purpose motors to maintain the proper airflow within a commercial oven to get perfect consistency browning bread, or chilling water for cooling towers and power generation.

General purpose motors can be more likely to experience wear and tear compared to definite purpose. They are useful for common applications. However, challenging environments may need a highly-specialized motor to perform the desired capabilities. Definite purpose motors may use specific materials for protection in more demanding environments or uses.

Key Benefits of Definite Purpose Motors

Definite purpose motors are built to last. They have a highly-efficient, durable design to ensures ultimate performance where consistency matters most. These high performance levels are maintained for ease-of-operation and longevity. This also reduces downtime and the need for costly motor repairs. Precise levels of power and speed can be altered and adjusted to fit the environment, which is another key benefit in maintaining high-performance. You will typically find definite purpose motors in (but not limited to) the mining, textile, and agriculture industries.

Find a General Purpose Motor for Your Application

General purpose motors are a convenient choice for a motor. They are fit for many different purposes. General purpose motors are easily interchangeable between any given application and ensure reliability when it comes to motor performance.

Browse our catalog of General Purpose Motors today!