How to Choose a Washdown Motor

How to Choose a Washdown Motor

For many industries, like food and beverage production, keeping equipment clean is vital to ensure the end product is safe for consumers. In the food and beverage sector, unsanitary equipment can lead to contamination. Food contamination can make people sick and lead to costly liability issues as well as negative public perception. Preventing food contamination is a must for food and beverage producers. Companies in this sector need equipment that can withstand rigorous washdown procedures, which often involve high-pressure liquids and caustic cleaning agents.

Not every motor can perform in the presence of liquids. Some electric motors, referred to as washdown motors, are specifically engineered to work through these conditions. But not all washdown motors are the same. Selecting the right motor is vital to keep production moving, ensure the safety of the end product, and avoid costly downtime. That's why it's important to weigh a number of factors when buying or replacing a washdown motor. This guide will help you understand factors to select a washdown motor and allow you to make an educated decision when it's time to buy or upgrade.

Step 1: What is Your Reason for Looking for a Washdown Motor?

Why are you in the market for a washdown motor? You could be looking to install a washdown motor for a new production line. Or you could be seeking to replace an existing motor, for example, an undependable motor which has led to costly downtime issues. No matter your need, you should research the available washdown motors for your application.

If you’re replacing an existing washdown duty motor, consider a direct replacement of an existing motor or upgrading the existing motor. In some cases (like the earlier example of an undependable motor), an upgrade is necessary. Review your existing washdown motor’s nameplate. Using the brand name, you can look up product specifications and decide which attributes are necessary for your washdown application. You'll want to look at your specific application requirements. Once you know the specifics, use them to identify motors that could work as a replacement.

Step 2: Know Your Product and Application Requirements

Next, be sure you know all your application requirements. Requirements to consider include:

• Application environment. Consider where your equipment will be located. Are there specific temperature requirements? Does the presence of liquids and/or dust mean you’ll need a certain IP rating?
• General Requirements. Think about where your motor will be physically located. Does it need a specific mounting type? Does the motor (or the motor envelope) need to be a certain size? What will the orientation of the motor be? What type of lubrication will you be using?
• Input Power Source. You will need to know your motor’s voltage, frequency, maximum current and control type.
• Washdown Motor Specifics. Not all washdown motors are the same. Different motors have different IP ratings and encapsulation types. Motors also have different weights and sizes. Also consider noise level requirements and maintenance needs.

Step 3: Select Your Washdown Motor

In addition to the above factors, performance is an important factor in motor selection. You will want a motor that can provide your needed torque, speed, horsepower, and starting and running torque. If you need to find out more about these factors, visit the speed torque curves page on Regalrexnord.com. Once you have calculated needed speed and torque, you can use the manufacturers’ performance curve to find a motor that will fit your need.

LEESON- The Leader in Washdown Motors

With LEESON, you can select a washdown motor from a wide-ranging product portfolio. Washdown motors like the LEESON White Duck, Premium, and Extreme Duck® Ultra motor offer good, better, and the best solutions to your washdown needs.

In addition to our washdown motor line, LEESON also offers unparalleled customer service. Our engineers can help you find the perfect motor for your washdown application.