FASCO FACTS

TIME-SAVING MOTOR
REPLACEMENT TIPS
 INTRODUCTION

This edition of the long-standing informative Fasco

Facts booklet has been prepared by Fasco Distributing
Company as a helpful guide for the motor replacement
serviceman. The goal of this booklet is to provide a bet-
ter working knowledge of electric motors and related
disciplines. Being better informed provides a better
foundation for successful motor and blower replacement.
We encourage every service person to take basic pre-
cautions for their own safety as well as their customers
when installing or servicing motors. Power to the
equipment must be disconnected while the unit is being
serviced and all electric motors should be grounded.
The National Electrical Code and local electrical and
safety regulations should be followed at all times.
Keep in mind that even though this booklet provides an
abundance of information, there is much more infor-
mation available on motors from other sources such as
your local library. Depending on how much you wish
to learn about motors, the library can be an invaluable
source for the extended information. The only question
is how much do you want to learn? Have fun.
There are several types of fractional horsepower
motors. Each type performs certain jobs better than
the other types. The characteristics of a motor
designed to move air are completely different than
those of a motor used to drive a grinder, a pump, or
even a belt-driven application.
Fasco manufactures Permanent-Split Capacitor and
Shaded-Pole motors. These motors are normally used
with a fan blade or a blower wheel to move air. They
are used in applications associated with heating, air
conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation.
2
CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Motor Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Motor Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Motor Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Motor Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Thermal Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Condensation and Drain Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Motor Stacks and Windings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Motor Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Load Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Mechanical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Motor Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
High Slip Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Rating Motors With BTUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Cooling Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Motor Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Speed Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Removing Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Motor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Motor Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Motor Selection Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Motor Wiring and Rotation Reversing . . . . . . .36
Motor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Mounting Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Contactor VA Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Induced Draft Blowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Blower Wheels and Fan Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Fan Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

3
 POWER SUPPLIES
Voltages that power motors are either alternating current
(AC) or direct current (DC). Direct current provides a
current flow in only one direction. It is derived from the
alternating current. The alternating current simply is elec-
tronically routed to pass through a load in only one direc-
tion. Direct current is commonly used in applications that
require adjustable speed as in production line conveyors.
The properties of DC motors combined with the ease at
which direct current voltage can be created and adjusted
makes this type of drive system very popular. Alternating
current on the other hand provides current that flows in a
forward and reverse action. It does this 60 times per sec-
ond in the case of 60 hertz power. This power is either
single phase or 3 phase. Some common voltages used for
motors are shown below.

Single Phase Voltages 3 Phase Voltages

115 208
208 230
230 460
240 480
460
480

The flow of electric current can be compared to water

flowing through a hose. Voltage is the measure of electric
force in the power supply as the water pressure is the
hydraulic force in the hose.
The replacement and original motor voltages must be
identical. That is, 115 volts to 115 volts, 230 volts to 230
volts, etc. There is a voltage tolerance of +/- 10%, so a
230 volt motor will operate satisfactorily on a 208 volt
application and vice versa.
- Some older motors will be stamped 220 volts. In this
instance, either a 208 or 230 volt motor can be substituted.
- Oil and gas furnace direct drive blower motors are
usually 115 volts.
- Electric furnace direct drive blower motors are usually
230 volts.
- Condenser fan motors for residential air conditioning
units can be 208, 230, 277, or 460 volts.

4
 FREQUENCY
The frequency rating of a power supply determines in part
the speed at which the motor will run. Frequency controls
the RPM of the rotating magnetic field which is what the
rotor follows. The formula for calculating motor RPM is:
RPM = (120)(Frequency)/Number of poles in the motor.
Note, 120 is a constant value.

MOTOR TYPES
The most commonly encountered air-moving motors are
Permanent-Split Capacitor and Shaded-Pole types. On the
outside, these two motor types look very much alike.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to disassemble the motor
to be replaced to properly identify its type. This is easily
accomplished by removing the thru bolts or clips, and tap-
ping the end shields off of the motor shell.

SHADED-POLE (SP)

FACT Used where low cost and low

starting torques are required. They are used
to drive blowers, bathroom ventilators,
range hoods, attic ventilators, down draft
blowers, fan coils, etc.
FACT A Shaded-Pole motor can be rec-
ognized by the readily identifiable individ-
ual stator coil windings and the single cop-
per band (shaded coil) formed around one
side of each stator pole.
FACT Shaded-Pole motors rotate toward
the shading band.

CAPACITOR START

FACT A higher starting torque motor

than the split phase motor. It is constructed
similar to the split phase motor. The key
exception is that the capacitor start motor
has a capacitor in series with the start wind-
ing to increase the start torque. The capaci-
tor is usually visible and mounted on motor
frame. Used in hard-to-start applications
such as compressors and pumps.

5
MOTOR TYPES (continued)

PERMANENT-SPLIT
CAPACITOR (PSC)
FACT Used where higher starting
torques are needed than what a shaded-pole
motor will provide. They are also used
where higher efficiency motors are
required. Due to their efficiency, they have
become the motor of choice versus a shad-
ed-pole design. They are used to drive
blowers and all the other air-moving appli-
cations where shaded-pole motors are
found. They also are manufactured in high-
er horsepower ratings than what can be
found in shaded-pole designs. Therefore,
they get used in heavier duty applications
such as outside condensers.
FACT A PSC motor can usually be rec-
ognized by the capacitor that is connected
to it. Also, between the main pole wind-
ings in the motor, there are pole windings
of finer wire. This is the auxiliary winding.

SPLIT PHASE

FACT Higher starting torque motors than

a PSC. Suitable for belt drive furnace
blowers and belt drive ventilators. They are
more efficient than Shaded-Pole motors but
not as efficient as a PSC motor. These
motors have more defined RPM ratings.
They are usually rated at 3450, 1725, and
1140. They are not constructed to provide
the wide-range of multi-speeds as seen in
shaded-pole and PSC motors. Multi-speed
split phase motors are commonly built using
separate windings to provide other speeds.
This assures the speed sensitive start switch
will operate correctly in the motor.

THREE PHASE
The most efficient general purpose motor.
They are used in industrial or large com-
mercial applications where three phase
power is available.

6
 MOTOR FRAMES
A motor frame type is a designation that a manufacturer
assigns to a motor to describe certain construction parame-
ters the motor will be built to meet. Any motors labeled
with a common frame type will be built with a similar set
of parameters such as motor diameter. A frame type will
mandate that a motor meet certain design parameters. For
example, in the case of integral horsepower motors, manu-
facturers typically adhere to the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. These stan-
dards chart out many design parameters such as what size
shaft the motor must have or how the holes in the mounting
base will be spaced apart. Motors that are not built to
NEMA specifications, as in the case with the majority of air-
moving fractional horsepower motors, are designed to
frame types that the manufacturers create. These frames
usually control fewer parameters as compared to NEMA
types since so many of the subfractional motors have cus-
tom features. Fasco frame types are listed below.

Fasco frame type Motor diameter

C-frame not applicable
3.3" 3.3"
38 frame 4.4"
42 frame 5.0" or 5.1"
48 frame 5.625"

7
 MOTOR ENCLOSURES
The following are the typical enclosures used in Fasco motors.

SHAFT UP

FACT This style has venting holes in the

end shield on the shaft end. It will also have
vent holes in the outer shell. These holes on
the outer shell may either go around half of
the motor’s circumference or completely
around it. This motor is generally used in
applications where the motor is mounted
vertically with the shaft pointing up. It can
be used in horizontal applications as long as
the particular model has outer shell holes
only halfway around the circumference so
they can be positioned beneath the motor.
This will prevent rain from entering. The
fan blade is mounted to the motor and usual-
ly blows air away from the shaft end. This
air flow is vital to the motor as this is what
cools it.

SHAFT DOWN

FACT This style has venting holes in the

end shield on the shaft end. It will also have
vent holes in the outer shell. These holes on
the outer shell may either go around half of
the motor’s circumference or completely
around it. This motor is generally used in
applications where the motor is mounted ver-
tically with the shaft pointing down. It can
be used in horizontal applications as long as
the particular model has outer shell holes
only halfway around so they can be posi-
tioned beneath the motor. This will prevent
rain from entering. The fan blade is mounted
to the motor and usually blows air toward the
shaft end. This air flow is vital to the motor
as this is what cools it.

8
TOTALLY ENCLOSED
NON VENTED (TENV)

FACT This style has no venting holes in

the end shields or the motor shell. This
motor is used in applications where the
motor is mounted either vertically or hori-
zontally. It will cool itself in the same man-
ner as the two other styles mentioned above.
It relies on the fan blade to blow air over it.

MAXIMUM VENTILATION

FACT These style motors have ventila-

tion holes around the outer shell of the
motor as well as vented end shields. This
design allows air to circulate freely over the
winding. Care must be taken not to allow
rain water to enter these motors. Some of
these have only half of the perimeter vented
to allow a horizontal mounting while pro-
tecting the windings from rain.

TOTALLY ENCLOSED
FAN COOLED

FACT This motor has no vent holes in

the end shields or outer shell. Cooling is
accomplished by the use of an outside fan
blade mounted to an extended motor rear
shaft. The blade has a cover that directs its
air over the shell of the motor.

OPEN DRIP-PROOF

FACT This motor is self-cooling since it

has an internal cooling fan. It has vent holes
in the end shields and the outer shell in a
limited amount. This prevents water from
dripping or rain from entering the motor.

9
 MOTOR BEARINGS
The motor bearing allows the motor to turn freely while it
supports the shaft, the rotor, and the load such as a fan
blade, blower wheel, or pulley.
The most common bearings used in small FHP electric
motors are sleeve bearings. For loads below 1/5 horsepow-
er, these bearings are usually self-aligning. For loads above
1/5 horsepower, the bearings are usually babbitt-lined, steel-
backed sleeve bearings, pressed into the end shield.

FACT A unit bearing is a single sleeve extending into and

supporting the rotor/shaft assembly. They are limited to use in
low horsepower motors where light load capacity is required.
They are popular in commercial refrigeration evaporators.

FACT Self-aligning spherical bearings are quiet, inexpensive

and have a long-life capability. They are generally used on
motors that have diameters less than 5". They are designed for
relatively light loads. These bearings are made of sintered bronze
or iron. They are spherical shaped and sit in cups formed in the
motor end shields. They are held in the cups using retainers.

FACT Ball bearings are made with hardened steel balls, held
in place between grooved inner and outer steel races. Ball bear-
ings are used when heavy radial (side) thrust loads are encoun-
tered such as a belt driven application. They are also used where
the bearings must endure high temperature due to ambient or heat
conducted along the shaft. They are noisier than sleeve bearings.
Therefore, they are rarely used for residential applications. They
are also used in applications where the RPM can fall well below
500 RPM. Sleeve bearings can actually lose their oil because it
will actually seep out of between the shaft and bearing when a
shaft spins very slow.

FACT Babbitt-lined, steel-backed sleeve bearings are quiet,

long life bearings capable of operating heavier direct drive air-
moving loads. They are most frequently used in motors with
diameters exceeding 5". These bearings are pressed into die-cast
aluminum end shields. Due to the solid contact with the end
shield, they dissipate heat better than self-aligning bearings. At
speeds below 500 RPM, oil can seep out of between the shaft and
bearing causing severe loss of lubricant. At speeds higher than
approximately 500 RPM, the oil will be returned to the wicking
where it again will be circulated through the system. This slow
speed condition is usually caused by what is known as wind-
milling. Windmilling is a situation where, for example, a ware-
house side wall ventilator, while shut off, slowly spins due to
outside wind blowing through it.

10
FACT You can substitute ball bearing motors for sleeve-bear-
ing motors if noise is not a concern. However, if the defective
motor is of the ball bearing type, you should use a ball bearing
motor as a replacement.

FACT Sleeve bearings, under normal operating conditions,

will last as long or longer than ball bearings.

FACT Bearing temperatures are a major factor in determining

the useful life of a motor. The following are some typical expect-
ed life hours at various bearing temperatures.
See Chart Below.

Sleeve Bearing
Bearing Temperature Expected Motor Life
(single oiling)
104°F 40°C 100,000 hrs.
120°F 49°C 50,000 hrs.
140°F 60°C 40,000 hrs.
160°F 71°C 30,000 hrs.
180°F 82°C 20,000 hrs.

Ball Bearing
Bearing Temperature Expected Motor Life

104°F 40°C 80,000 hrs.

120°F 49°C 40,000 hrs.
140°F 60°C 20,000 hrs.
160°F 71°C 10,000 hrs.
180°F 82°C 6,000 hrs.
200°F 94°C 4,000 hrs.
212°F 100°C 3,000 hrs.

NOTE:
• Do not substitute ball bearing motors for sleeve-bearing
motors if noise will be a problem.
• Ball bearing motors in the Fasco catalog have a dot after the
model number.
• Use ball bearing motors in high temperature applications.
• If the fan will windmill, use a ball bearing motor.

11
 THERMAL PROTECTORS
Thermal protectors (overloads) protect the motor’s insulat-
ing materials from excessive heat. Examples of these
materials are winding varnish, slot liners, and lead wire
insulation. Overloads have bi-metallic strips with contacts
on them that act like an on/off switch in the motor. The
strips ‘feel’ the amount of heat present in the motor. When
the heat is excessive, as in the case with an overloaded
motor, the strips will bend and open the circuit to the
motor. The overloads sense this heat in one of two ways.
They either get placed right on the winding to sense the
heat directly or they get mounted remotely in the motor’s
conduit box, for example. In a conduit box the overload
has an extra component called an internal heating element.
This element will create its own heat in the overload since
it is not on the winding.
Some common types are described below.
Auto reset overload - This will automatically re-energize
the motor after the motor cools down.
Manual reset - This will normally have a reset button that
needs to be manually pressed to re-energize the motor.
One shot - This type will not reset. The motor will need
to be replaced.
Impedance - This provides protection by way of the
motor’s inherent design which prohibits it from being able
to generate excessive heat.

FACT Overload protection is a requirement of Underwriter’s

Laboratories (UL). The actual operation of an overload is intend-
ed to protect the motor winding from overheating.

FACT All Fasco motors are manufactured to an exact insula-

tion specification and include some kind of inherent or built-in
protection against overheating. The insulation system defines
maximum allowable winding temperatures. The thermal protec-
tion is calibrated to the winding temperature to detect overload
conditions.

FACT Be sure to disconnect the motor from the line before

servicing, as the motor can suddenly re-start as it reaches the
temperature needed for the overload to reset.

12
FACT ‘Trip and reset’ cycling of the thermal protection is one
of the most common application problems for both PSC and
Shaded-Pole motors. It generally indicates overheating of the
motor due to misapplication. It is rare to have a defective pro-
tector. Usually, one of the following conditions exists:
1. Motor is overloaded - ampere draw will be 10% or more
greater than the nameplated amps.
2. Motor is underloaded - ampere draw will be 25% less than
nameplate.
3. A defective or wrong size capacitor is being used.

FACT Replacement motor has less ventilation than the origi-

nal motor. Less motor ventilation can cause the motor to trip on
the overload but it can take considerable time to reach this point.
A high ambient temperature and/or exposure to sun are a couple
of reasons the trip time can be shortened.

FACT Condition one and two from above can be confirmed

by checking the ampere draw of the motor using an ammeter.
Condition three’s defective or wrong size capacitor will cause a
motor to act as if it is overloaded. It will run slow, hot, and
draw more than nameplate amps. If all else checks out OK, con-
dition four suggests the application receive a motor with similar
ventilation as the original.

FACT Cycling on overload is probably a misapplied motor.

Current draw should not vary from the nameplate amps by more
than 10% or less than 25%.

FACT Do not by-pass (jump) thermal protectors to eliminate

nuisance trips. Check the application.

FACT An overloaded motor always runs hot, slow, and draws

more than nameplate amps. Reading the motor current draw
with an amp meter is the most accurate method of identifying an
incorrect replacement.

13
 LUBRICATION
There are two types of lubricating systems for FHP motors
in common use today: Wool Felt and Permawick.

FACT Wool Felt: The felt is saturated with a specific amount

of oil and is fitted around the bearing. This was the system
originally used in all small motors and has good oil retention
characteristics.

FACT Permawick: A blend of cellulose fiber and turbine oil -

it has the appearance of oil-soaked sawdust and has the advantage
of holding 30% more lubricant than the wool felt system. This is
the material used in all Fasco motor bearing systems.

FACT For routine maintenance and improved bearing life

expectancy, a few drops of non detergent “twenty weight” oil
can be added every 12 months.

FACT Oil provides a cushion, or layer between motor shaft

and bearing ID. Theoretically, the shaft and bearing do not touch.
When the oil supply fails, metal to metal contact quickly causes
bearing wear, bearing noise develops, or the shaft locks.

FACT High operating temperatures for a motor will result in

oil oxidation and evaporation causing eventual seizing between
the bearing surface and the shaft. This frequently occurs when
the motor is started after several months of not being in use. A
few drops of oil at the beginning of the heating or air condition-
ing season is helpful.

FACT A ball bearing uses special greases as the lubricant. The

bearing may be sealed against contaminates, therefore, ball bear-
ings are also commonly found in applications where duty
requirements or extreme temperatures make re-lubrication
impractical.

FACT The addition of a few drops of oil to the lubricating

system at the beginning of the heating or air conditioning season
is helpful.

14
 CAPACITORS
All PSC motors are designed to be used with an external
capacitor. This capacitor operates in the circuit continuously.
It is commonly referred to as a run capacitor. The most
common capacitor for fan/blower motors is 5 Mfd., 370
volt. However, other ratings will also be used depending
on the model.

FACT A capacitor is a
device capable of storing and
releasing an electric charge.

FACT Always discharge a

capacitor before removing it
from an installation.

FACT The capacitor used with a capacitor start motor is called

a start capacitor because it is used only while the motor is starting.

FACT The capacitor rating is printed on the capacitor itself,

the motor nameplate or the system wiring diagram. You must
know this rating to properly choose the replacement capacitor.

FACT Capacitors are rated by both capacity (2 Mfd, 5 Mfd.,

etc.) and voltage (370 volt, 440 volt, etc.). The rated capacitor
size should not be changed, since the motor operates at maximum
efficiency when using the specified capacitor size. If necessary,
the replacement capacitor voltage rating can be higher than speci-
fied, buy not lower without impairing capacitor life.

FACT Capacitors can be hooked up in parallel to increase

capacity. For example, two 5 Mfd., 370 volt capacitors connect-
ed in parallel are the equivalent of a 10 Mfd., 370 volt capacitor.
See illustration below.

5 mfd 5 mfd

10 mfd

15
CAPACITORS (continued)
FACT Capacitor life is about 60,000 hours. Continuous
operation, at rated voltage and maximum case temperature of 70
degrees C(158 degrees F). All Fasco PSC motor nameplates
include a wiring diagram, and normally the capacitor is connect-
ed to the two brown leads.

FACT Replace the capacitor when replacing a defective motor.

If a defective capacitor is in the circuit the motor probably will
not run. If it does run, it will operate as if overloaded. The
motor speed will be low, and it will overheat and probably trip
the overload protector.

CAUTION
A high-quality capacitor can hold a charge
for long periods of time. To prevent a
painful shock, the capacitor should be
discharged before its removal.

FACT There are three safe ways to test capacitors in the field.
1. Replace the old capacitor with a new one.
2. A capacitor tester can be used. Needs to provide readings in
microfarads.
3. An ohmmeter can be used. If the capacitor is taking a charge,
it will swing the ohmmeter needle toward “0” ohms and hold
at that point then slowly deflect. It deflects since the battery
in the meter will begin to charge the capacitor. If it is open
circuited, the needle will not move off infinity.

FACT Always check the capacitor before replacing a PSC motor.

FACT A motor with a shorted capacitor can still start and run,
but will operate as if seriously overloaded.

FACT This is a quick tip for distributors who bench test

motors before handing them over to customers. When finishing
your test, be sure to discharge the capacitor with an appropriate
resister such as a 15 Kohm 2 watt resister. Depending how the
motor leads are connected, it may be such that it discharges
through the windings when the motor is de-energized.

16
Series connection:
If, for example, two 5 Mfd., 370 VAC capacitors are wired in
series, the following formula will show equivalent capacitance
and voltage rating they produce when connected this way.
Mfd. = 1 / (1/Capacitor one) + (1/Capacitor two)
= 1/(1/5 + 1/5)
= 2.5 Mfd.
The two 370 VAC capacitor ratings add together in a series con-
nection giving 740 VAC total capability.

Parallel connection:
If the two capacitors are wired in parallel the following formula
will show the Mfd. result.
Mfd. = Capacitor one + Capacitor two
=5+5
= 10 Mfd.
In a parallel connection, the two 370 VAC capacitor ratings do
not add together, so the total capability is still 370 VAC.

CONDENSATION AND
DRAIN PLUGS
FACT Differences between daytime and nighttime tempera-
tures can create condensate in totally enclosed motors. A drain
hole should be at the lowest point in the motor to permit the
condensate water to exit.

FACT Certain Fasco motors are designed to be used in out-

side applications as with condensers, for example. Motors used
in these condensers may be totally enclosed non-vented. When
replacing these motors with Fasco motors, be sure to pull the
blue condensation plug on the Fasco motor, on the end that will
point down. By pulling the drain plug, the condensation that
builds up in the motor can drain properly.

FACT Remember that Fasco has two colors of plugs on the

motors. The blue plugs are condensation drain plugs and the
yellow plugs are for re-oiling.

17
 MOTOR STACKS
AND WINDINGS
FACT A motor of the same diameter and stack can be substi-
tuted when neither the HP or ampere rating of the defective
motor is known. The stack of a motor is the width of the stator
iron laminations. This is a very rough measurement to be used
as a last resort in selecting a replacement motor.

FACT The reason a stator is made of individual laminations is

basically to reduce the electrical losses due to circulating cur-
rents that occur in the iron. These are called eddy currents.
These are caused by the magnetic flux created by the windings.
Laminating this core greatly reduces these losses.

FACT Most open circuits in the windings resulting from

defects in the motor windings occur within the first two hours of
operation. This is the time required to reach maximum tempera-
ture rise. Most short circuits in windings occur if the motor
windings are wet when the motor is operating or if lightning
strikes. Usually shorts are not a result of motor overheating,
since the motor is thermally protected.

FACT Why are there

different size wire and dif-
ferent number of turns in
windings? Because the
torque output of a motor
depends on the strength of
the magnetic fields created
by the poles in the stator.
The stator’s size of wire,
number of turns, and stack
height determine the
strength of these magnetic
fields.

FACT The number of

similar coils visible in the
stator winding equals the
number of poles.

18
 MOTOR EFFICIENCY
Efficiency of a motor is a measurement of the useful work
performed by the motor versus the energy it consumes.
The input power in watts is the product of the voltage
times amps times the electrical efficiency. The power it
puts out is done through the spinning motor shaft. The
output power in watts is the input watts times the mechanical
efficiency. The ratio of input to output is the motor effi-
ciency. For example, a motor with 100 watts input and an
output of 50 watts is 50% efficient. The watts lost are heat
which needs to be dissipated from the motor.

FACT A Shaded-Pole motor is the least efficient design. It is

approximately half as efficient as a PSC motor. A Shaded-Pole
motor draws about twice the amps of a PSC motor of the same
horsepower. For example, if a Shaded-Pole motor consumes 300
watts and is only 35% efficient, its work output would be only
165 watts but it is less costly than the PSC design.

FACT When replacing motors, it is best to match motor type. A

PSC motor can be used to replace a Shaded-Pole motor; however,
the reverse is not true. The PSC motor will be twice as efficient as
the Shaded-Pole motor and draw about half the amps. The greater
efficiency of the Permanent-Split Capacitor motor permits lower
operating costs and lower temperature rise. Replacing a Permanent-
Split Capacitor motor with a Shaded-Pole motor is not recommended.
Increased ampere draw could cause the line fuse to trip.

FACT Multi-speed motors are less efficient than single-speed

motors due to space limitations for the windings.

FACT An overloaded motor is one that is too weak for the job.
Its speed will be low, its amperage draw is more than 10% above
the nameplate rating, and it will have increased heat rise. Its
motor life will be reduced.

FACT An underloaded motor is one too strong for the job.

Using too strong a motor for a replacement is evident when its
amperage draw is 25% less than the nameplate reading. Using a
motor with excessive horsepower can also cause increased heat
rise due to decreased efficiency. Over motoring an application
increases RPM very little. In most cases RPM for a six pole
motor designed to operate at 1075 would only increase by 50
RPM if the motor’s power was doubled.

FACT Some energy-efficient motors will have matching

horsepower but lower amps.

19
 HORSEPOWER
FACT When a motor is to be replaced, select a motor with
adequate power output. Horsepower is the usual measurement of
power output. This rating is normally stamped on the nameplate.
Motors with horsepower ratings below one horsepower are called
fractional horsepower motors.

FACT Horsepower requirements vary as the cube of the speed

in air moving applications. In other words, replacing a six pole
motor with a four pole requires the four pole motor to have more
than three times greater horsepower.

FACT When replacing motors, the horsepower of the defective

and the replacement motor should be the same. In motors rated
below 1/4 HP, or when the HP rating is not available, matching
the current rating is a satisfactory procedure. Do not use a
replacement motor whose nameplate ampere rating is less than
the defective motor. The replacement motor may have nameplate
amps 25% greater than the nameplate amps of the defective
motor. Some newer designs may have lower amps per HP rating
if they are very efficient.

FACT It is possible to match horsepower ratings by measuring

the stack width of the stator laminations in the defective motor
and then use a replacement motor with the same stack.

FACT Replacement by the use of a larger horsepower may

cause the motor to be underloaded. It could eventually overheat
and cause overload trips. The actual ampere reading will be
below the full load amp rating on the nameplate.

FACT Do not replace a general purpose motor with a service fac-

tor, with a special purpose motor that does not have a service factor.

20
 LOAD FACTOR
Load Factor describes how much extra horsepower is built
into a particular motor at its nameplate RPM that is
beyond its nameplate HP rating. It is the ratio of tested
horsepower to nameplate horsepower. The following is a
more detailed explanation.
Load Factor is arrived at by the following sample calcula-
tions. For example:
A stock condenser fan motor has a nameplate rating of 1/4
HP (0.25 HP) and 1075 RPM. If we test the motor on a
dynamometer, we find that the torque produced at 1075 is
19.05 in. lbs.
We next calculate the horsepower using the test data.
We find,
HP = N x T/K
= (1075 x 19.05)/63025
= 0.325 HP
This is almost 1/3 HP!
Now to calculate the Load Factor, we simply divide the
ratio of tested horsepower to nameplate horsepower.
Load Factor = 0.325 / 0.25
= 1.3
The Fasco catalog would show a Load Factor of 1.3 in
the chart.
Load Factor should not be confused with the common
motor term called Service Factor. Service Factor pertains
to self-cooled motors, such as the ones designed in accor-
dance to NEMA. Service Factor is the percentage over
nameplate horsepower that a particular motor can be oper-
ated at while being sufficiently self-cooled. For example, a
1.3 rating relates to a 30% reserve in horsepower that can
be drawn on if needed. This is useful when intermittent
overloads will be encountered.
Fasco motors designed with a Load Factor provide value to
your customers since you are promoting a motor with extra
margin to handle tough applications. A tough application,
for example, is where an OEM used a marginally designed
motor with just enough horsepower to get by. By selling a
Fasco replacement with a Load Factor, you can promote the
installation of a motor better suited for the job.

21
 MECHANICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
When replacing motors, important mechanical features
must be identified. The replacement motor should be
about the same diameter and length as the replaced motor,
so it can be installed in the existing mount. This section
will discuss the problems encountered in motor mount-
ings and some solutions to these problems.

FACT The most common motor diameters the service person

will encounter are 3-1/3", 4-7/16", 5", and 5-5/8".

FACT Motor shaft dimensions must match in diameter and

length. All Fasco distributor models that are not direct OEM
replacements have long shafts so they can be cut to length. The
OEM direct replacement models have shafts cut to the exact
OEM length, so those shafts may be shorter than the models in
the general line.

FACT When modifying a motor shaft, make certain the shaft

is tightly held in a vise to avoid stress on the motor bearings.

FACT When cutting a shaft to length, it is extremely impor-

tant to prevent steel filings and/or shavings from entering the
motor.

FACT Make sure no metal burrs are left on the shaft after it
is cut. If these are not removed, it may be difficult to fit the fan
blade or wheel onto the shaft.
NOTE: Always wear safety glasses while modifying a
shaft to protect your eyes from sharp metal filings.

FACT If the motor to be replaced has a different shaft diame-

ter than the replacing motor, Fasco shaft
bushings can sometimes be used.
The most commonly available sizes are:
1/4" ID x 5/6" OD
5/16" ID x 3/8" OD
3/8" ID x 1/2" OD 1/2" ID x 5/8" OD

FACT There are a few common ways contractors shorten

motors through bolts when it is necessary to properly install a
motor. Whether they snap them off with a hollow nut driver or
cut them off with small bolt cutters, it is always good to first spin
on an extra nut all the way down to the face of the motor. After
the bolt is shortened, the nut should be unscrewed off the through
bolt. Taking the nut off will reshape the starting thread which
usually gets damaged when the bolt is cut or broken off. This
makes it much easier to start the nuts when the motor is mounted.

22
 MOTOR SPEED
The base speed of a motor is determined by the number of
poles. The number of wound coils in the motor equals the
number of poles.

FACT Multi-speed motors will only indicate speed variations

when loaded. When run without a load, all speeds will be virtu-
ally the same.

FACT PSC motors require auxiliary windings. These get posi-

tioned between the main windings, only the main windings
should be counted for the speed calculation.

FACT It is important that a six pole motor be replaced with a

six pole motor, a four pole be replaced by a four pole and so on,
for two reasons.

FACT Replacing a four pole motor (1400 to 1650 RPM) with

a lower speed six pole motor (900 to 1150 RPM) results in
reduced air delivery and greatly reduced system efficiency can be
enough to automatically shut down the system.

FACT If a six pole motor is replaced with a four pole as in a

condenser, the motor will be seriously overloaded, causing
cycling on the motor’s overload protector.

FACT Modern multi-speed motors are really not multi-speed,

but multi-horsepower. The speeds are simply taps at different
points in the coil. The higher speeds are tapped at a point with
fewer turns as compared to where the subsequent speeds are
tapped in the same coil. The more turns that are wound before a
tap is brought out, the lower the horsepower will be each time.
Obviously, the lowest speed lead is connected to the end of the
last turn on the coil. These added turns weaken the motor. This
field weakening allows the load to slow the motor down each
time a slower speed is selected. With no load mounted on the
shaft, as with a bench test, no difference between speeds will be
seen. If too strong a replacement motor is used on a unit, there
may be no appreciable difference when the speed is changed in
the unit. Remember, the motor relies on the load to slow it down
between the speeds. As an example, if a 1/2 HP three speed
motor is used instead of a 1/4 HP three speed, there might not be
any noticeable difference between Hi, Med, and Low.

NOTE: A motor nameplate showing 1350 RPM is a special design

and must be replaced with an OEM direct replacement. This is a
high slip 4 pole motor, which is not generally available in a general
line of motors. If one is available, it would be marketed as an OEM
direct replacement motor for a specific piece of equipment. These
motors are specially designed for a very specific load.

23
MOTOR SPEED (continued)

FACT Multi-speed motors can be used in single-speed appli-

cations. Looking at a typical multi-speed, 1/3 horsepower
motor, we would find a 1/3 horsepower rating on high speed,
1/3 horsepower on medium, and 1/6 horsepower on low speed.
By tapping the leads individually of the two speeds you do not
need, you can have a single speed 1/6 HP, 1/4 HP or 1/3 HP
motor.

FACT In replacing blower motors, air volume and direction

must match the original installation. This air movement is a
resultant of the motor speed and the blower size. Assuming
only the motor will be replaced, it must have the same speed as
the defective unit.

FACT Motors with nameplate speeds in the range of 1300-

1400 RPM are high slip motors and need a direct OEM replace-
ment motor.

FACT Multi-speed motors may be used to replace a single-

speed motor. Leads not used should have the ends individually
insulated.

Figure 1 is a Permanent-
Split Capacitor motor
with four wound coils and
is a four-pole motor.
Figure 2 is a Shaded-Pole
motor also with four
wound coils. It is also a
four-pole motor. A
Permanent Capacitor
motor requires auxiliary
windings positioned
between the main wind- FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
ings-only the main wind- Permanent-Split Shaded-Pole
ings are counted for speed Capacitor Motor Coils Motor Coils
calculation.

Number of Poles Normal High Speed

2 2800 to 3200 RPM
4 1400 to 1650 RPM
6 900 to 1150 RPM
8 800 to 850 RPM

24
 HIGH SLIP MOTORS
Some motors found on OEM equipment have RPM ratings
in the 1300 to 1400 range. These non-conventional motors
are called high slip four pole motors. Conventional four
pole PSC motors generally run around 1625 RPM and six
pole motors run around 1075 RPM. High slip 4 pole
motors offer a slower running motor than 1625 but faster
than six pole 1075 RPM. This gives the OEM the best of
both worlds. It offers a quieter motor than a 1625 RPM
and faster than a 1075 RPM.
The term slip refers to the difference between the speed of
the rotating magnetic field and the actual speed of the
rotor in the motor. A four pole rotating magnetic field
spins invisibly at 1800 RPM with 60 Hz. power applied to
it. This field drags the rotor along at a speed less than
1800 RPM. It spins slower and will never catch up. It can
run at 1550 or 1625 RPM, for example. Remember to
never replace a high slip motor with a conventional speed
motor. For example, never replace a 1350 RPM high slip
motor with a conventional 1625 RPM motor. The reason
is straightforward. Spinning fan blades or wheels in
equipment that run faster than they were designed for will
require a new HP calculated similar to this example.

Example:
A customer has a failed motor that was spinning a fan
blade. The motor was rated at 1/2 HP, 1350 RPM. If a
conventional 1625 RPM motor is used, what HP will be
needed?
New HP = Old HP(New RPM/Old RPM)^3
= 0.5(1625/1350)^3
= 0.5(1.2)^3
= 0.86 HP
This is well over 3/4 HP (3/4 = 0.75)! Increasing the
speed would also negatively affect the total system perfor-
mance. Stick with the original RPM.

25
 RATING MOTORS WITH BTUs
The following helpful guides have been used successfully
to approximate the motor horsepower, based on BTU rat-
ing of a window air conditioner. This is for cases where
the motor nameplate has no horsepower listed. Notice that
some horsepower ratings overlap. For example, you might
find a 1/10 or 1/8 horsepower motor in a 10,000 BTU win-
dow air conditioner. Please keep in mind that there will be
exceptions to these guides.

Window Air Conditioner

There are 12,000 BTUs in one ton of air conditioning.

A similar system can be used to approximate the motor
based on the rating of a central air conditioning system.

Central A/C System Condenser Fan Motors

System HP
2 TON 1/5
2 1/2 TON 1/4
3 TON 1/3
3 1/2 TON 1/2
4-5 TON 3/4
7 1/2 TON 1

26
 COOLING MOTORS
Fractional horsepower air-moving motors, which are
motors with blower wheels or fan blades mounted to them,
require the air that they move to be passed over the motor.
This is the way these motors stay cool. Without it, they
will overheat.
In a mechanical application such as a conveyor, these
motors will either have an internal or external cooling fan.
These fans are needed to cool the motor since they are not
in an air stream.

FACT Most Permanent-Split Capacitor and Shaded-Pole

motors are used to drive fan blades or blower wheels which are
directly attached to the motor shaft. They are primarily air-mov-
ing motors. The motor must be located in the air stream created
by the fan or blower to run cool.

FACT PSC and Shaded-Pole motors not moving air or not locat-
ed in the air stream are called mechanical duty motors and may
require an internal fan inside the motor to provide cooling air.

FACT A motor enclosure is designed to provide maximum air

flow within and around the motor for cooling and, at the same
time, provide protection from moisture, dirt, etc. which might
cause electrical or mechanical failure.

FACT Replacement motors for outdoor condenser fans often

require a rain shield to reduce the chance of water getting into
the motor. Fasco has rain shields for motors with 1/2" and 5/8"
diameter shafts.

FACT Always try to match the replaced motor’s ventilation

system. Inadequate cooling in the motor will cause overheating
and cycling on overload.

27
 MOTOR TEMPERATURE
Temperature rise in a motor describes the temperature of
the motor winding compared to the temperature of the
surrounding air. The surrounding temperature is called
the ambient temperature. The amount of temperature
rise over ambient is important because the insulation
used in the motor is rated to withstand a specific level of
heat before its insulating properties degrade. To help
prevent this from happening, motors have thermal pro-
tectors. They will disconnect the power from the motor
if it reaches the maximum temperature. Another term
used to describe motor temperature is total temperature
which is the actual temperature of the motor winding. It
is the sum of the ambient temperature plus the motor’s
temperature rise.

FACT Continuous duty motors should not operate at tempera-

tures exceeding 100 degrees C (212 degrees F). The life of the
bearings and lubrication system will be adversely affected.

FACT Overheating is a sign of an overloaded or underloaded

motor. Even if the motor is properly sized, it may still overheat
if proper cooling air is not blowing over the motor.

FACT Insulation systems are rated according to the tempera-

ture the coil windings can withstand. The two most common
types of systems are Class A which can withstand a temperature
of 105 degrees C (221 degrees F), and Class B which can with-
stand a temperature of 130 degrees C (266 degrees F). Due to
their ability to withstand higher temperatures, motors with Class
B insulation systems can be used to replace Class A rated motors.

FACT Heat is the primary enemy of motors. Excessive heat is the

sign of a misapplication. It shortens insulation life, dries out the bear-
ing lubrication system, and causes the overload protector to trip.

FACT Total motor operating temperature consists of motor

temperature rise plus ambient (surrounding air) temperature.
Watts (power) into a motor comes out as work and heat. A motor
driving 200 watts which is 70% efficient will do 140 watts of
work (200 x .70 = 140) and 60 watts (200-140 = 60) will become
heat. This heat results in motor temperature rise.

FACT After two hours of operation, maximum temperature

rise should be reached. Ambient temperature in a house is usu-
ally 70 degrees to 80 degrees F. When an air conditioning unit is
operating, the ambient temperature in the condenser unit can
range from 75 degrees to 120 degrees F.

28
FACT It is important to understand a replacement motor’s
temperature limitations. The proper conversion from a degree
reading in degrees F to degrees C and vice versa is important.
To make this task simple, we have provided the following
conversion table.
The numbers in bold refer to the temperature to be converted.
For example, to convert 77 degrees F to C, find 77 in the middle
bold column. To the left of 77 will read 25 which is the degrees
C conversion. To convert 77 degrees C to degrees F, read the
number on the right which is 170.6, the degrees F conversion.

C° F° C° F° C° F° C° F°
-45.6 -50 -58 1.67 35 95.0 23.9 75 167.0 79.4 175 347
-40.0 -40 -40 2.22 36 96.8 24.4 76 168.8 82.2 180 356
-34.4 -30 -22 2.78 37 98.6 25.0 77 170.6 85.0 185 365
-28.9 -20 -4 3.33 38 100.4 25.6 78 172.4 87.8 190 374
-23.3 -10 14 3.89 39 102.2 26.1 79 174.2 90.6 195 383
-17.8 0 32 4.44 40 104.0 26.7 80 176.0 93.3 200 392
-17.2 1 33.8 5.00 41 105.8 27.2 81 177.8 96.1 205 401
-16.7 2 35.8 5.56 42 107.6 27.8 82 179.6 98.9 210 410
-16.1 3 37.4 6.11 43 109.4 28.3 83 181.4 100.0 212 413
-15.6 4 39.2 6.67 44 111.2 28.9 84 183.2 101.7 215 419
-15.0 5 41.0 7.22 45 113.0 29.4 85 185.0 104.4 220 428
-14.4 6 42.8 7.78 46 114.8 30.0 86 186.8 107.2 225 437
-13.9 7 44.6 8.33 47 116.6 30.6 87 188.6 110.0 230 446
-13.3 8 46.4 8.89 48 118.4 31.1 88 190.4 112.8 235 455
-12.8 9 48.2 9.44 49 120.2 31.7 89 192.2 115.6 240 464
-12.2 10 50.0 10.0 50 122.0 32.2 90 194.0 118.3 245 473
-11.7 11 51.8 10.6 51 123.8 32.8 91 195.8 121.1 250 482
-11.1 12 53.6 11.1 52 125.6 33.3 92 197.6 123.9 255 491
-10.6 13 55.4 11.7 53 127.4 33.9 93 199.4 126.7 260 500
-10.0 14 57.2 12.2 54 129.2 34.4 94 201.2 129.4 265 509
-9.44 15 59.0 12.8 55 131.0 35.0 95 203.0 132.2 270 518
-8.99 16 60.8 13.3 56 132.8 35.6 96 204.8 135.0 275 527
-8.33 17 62.6 13.9 57 134.6 36.1 97 206.6 137.8 280 536
-7.78 18 64.4 14.4 58 136.4 36.7 98 208.4 140.6 285 545
-7.22 19 66.2 15.0 59 138.2 37.2 99 210.2 143.3 290 554
-6.67 20 68.0 15.6 60 140.0 37.8 100 212.0 146.1 295 563
-6.11 21 69.8 16.1 61 141.8 40.6 105 221.0 148.9 300 572
-5.56 22 71.6 16.7 62 143.6 43.3 110 230 151.7 305 581
-5.00 23 73.4 17.2 63 145.4 46.1 115 239 154.4 310 590
-4.44 24 75.2 17.8 64 147.2 48.9 120 248 157.2 315 599
-3.89 25 77.0 18.3 65 149.0 51.7 125 257 160.0 320 608
-3.33 26 78.8 18.9 66 150.8 54.5 130 266 162.8 325 617
-2.78 27 80.6 19.4 67 152.6 57.2 135 275 165.6 330 626
-2.22 28 82.4 20.0 68 154.4 60.0 140 284 168.3 335 635
-1.67 29 84.4 20.6 69 156.2 62.8 145 293 171.1 340 644
-1.11 30 86.0 21.1 70 158.0 65.6 150 302 173.9 345 653
-0.56 31 87.8 21.7 71 159.8 68.3 155 311 176.7 350 662
0 32 89.6 22.2 72 161.6 71.1 160 320 179.4 355 671
0.56 33 91.4 22.8 73 163.4 73.9 165 329 182.2 360 680
1.11 34 93.2 23.2 74 165.2 76.7 170 338 185.0 365 689

29
MOTOR TEMPERATURE (continued)
FACT A replacement motor can be assumed to be operating
successfully and with an acceptable operating temperature if it
is not overloaded or underloaded and has about the same
amount of ventilation holes as the original motor.

FACT The overload protector opens the electrical circuit to a

motor before the winding reaches a temperature that would
damage the winding insulation. The overload protector should
never be removed or shorted out (jumped).

FACT Heat and moisture are the two most important factors
limiting motor life. Moisture can be the result of either rain or
the condensing of warm moisture inside the motor when it
cools down in the evenings. Water can collect in a motor with-
out drain holes at the lowest point and, if the coils are touched
by this water, a ground or short circuit can occur.

FACT An underpowered replacement is more likely to cause

problems than overpowering.

FACT Be careful when touching a motor as it may be at its

normal operating temperature. The motor housing surface
could be hot enough to cause injury.

FACT Ambient temperature around the motor should not

exceed 40 degrees C (104 degrees F).

FACT The ventilation style of a motor is determined by three

parts. Namely, the two end shields and the motor shell. The
condenser fan blade will provide a certain amount of cooling air
flow over the motor. If the OEM designs a condenser for an
open ventilated fan motor and the contractor replaces it down the
road with a TENV design, there is a chance that the blade will
not provide enough air flow to cool the motor since a TENV
motor can require a higher amount of air flow to cool. The result
can cause nuisance tripping of the motor overload. It is best to
match enclosures when suggesting or installing a replacement.

FACT When replacing condenser fan motors, the replacement

motor should have the same nameplate horsepower as the OEM
motor. Condensers are designed with a specific fan motor
horsepower requirement needed to circulate the air through the
coils. When a replacement motor is used that has a higher HP
rating, two things result. The required amount of cooling air
needed over the motor increases since the heat generated is
higher. This is something that the fan blade may not be able to
provide since it will be running at the same speed of 1075 RPM,
for example. The second concern is that the higher HP motor
will be running underloaded which causes increased heat in a
PSC motor. The result with either of these two conditions can
cause nuisance tripping of the overload protector which trips
when a specific temperature is sensed in the motor windings.

30
 SPEED CONTROLS
A specific speed control must be tested with a specific
motor. There are no general lines of speed controls that
can be used across the motor offering. Each motor will
respond differently. The most important test characteristic
is heat rise in the motor. Some motors may overheat and
trip the motor’s overload. It is advisable to place thermo-
couples on the windings and monitor the motor’s operating
temperature throughout the speed range before one of
these controls are used.

REMOVING MOTORS
1. Disconnect all electrical power from the unit. Never
take chances with live wires.
2. Find the wiring diagram that shows the hook-up of all
motor leads, or draw a diagram showing where each
wire is going.
3. If the motor is a PSC type, note the size and location of
the capacitor. Before attempting to remove or handle
the capacitor, discharge the capacitor through a resistor.
A capacitor can hold a charge for some time which
could cause a rather harsh shock.
4. Note number of motor speeds.
5. Determine rotation by looking on the nameplate, or
motor body, for arrow or rotation markings. Fasco uses
CW as clockwise and CCW as counter clockwise, look-
ing at the shaft end. Some manufacturers refer to rota-
tion as at lead end or opposite lead end. The best
method is to scratch a rotation arrow on the motor
before removal.
6. Remove the motor from the unit, noting the type of
motor mounting being used. For instance, resilient
base, through bolts, lug mounts, band mount, etc.

31
 MOTOR REPLACEMENT
It is seldom that a replacement motor can be identified
through the original equipment manufacturer’s model
number. By following a procedure that answers specific
questions about the old motor, a correct replacement motor
can be selected quite easily. This section will deal with
these questions and ways to obtain the answers. It is
always best to have the defective motor available for first-
hand visual inspection and measurement. You cannot
identify an unknown motor without proper information.
The status of the motor being replaced should also be
checked to see if it is the original motor or a previous
replacement motor. The following are common questions
to get answers when replacing a motor.

1. What is the application?

2. How is it mounted?
3. What type of motor is it?
4. What ventilation does it have?
5. How many speeds does it have?
6. What is the direction of rotation?
7. What is the horsepower, RPM, and voltage?
8. What is the shaft length and diameter?
9. Does the motor have any special features?
10. What is the motor diameter?
11. What type of bearings does it have?
12. What is the OEM part number on it?
Take this information and the old motor to a local
Fasco distributor for a replacement.

32
 MOTOR SELECTION
When selecting a replacement motor using current (amp) rat-
ing comparisons, it is important to choose a replacement
motor that has the correct load carrying capability. An over-
loaded motor will overheat causing the thermal protector to
trip. Selecting too strong a motor will also cause overheating.
The table below gives the amp range of an acceptable
replacement. For instance, a defective motor with a name-
plate rating of 2.35 amps would be closest to 2.4 amps and
can be replaced with a motor of the same voltage having a
nameplate current rating between 2.4 and 3.0 amps.

Nameplate Amps of the Nameplate Amp Range of an

Defective Motor Acceptable Replacement
1.0 1.0-1.25
1.1 1.1-1.37
1.2 1.2-1.52
1.3 1.3-1.62
1.4 1.4-1.75
1.5 1.5-1.87
1.6 1.6-2.0
1.7 1.7-2.13
1.9 1.9-2.37
2.0 2.0-2.5
2.2 2.2-2.75
2.4 2.4-3.0
2.6 2.6-3.25
2.8 2.8-3.5
3.0 3.0-3.75
3.3 3.3-4.12
3.6 3.6-4.5
4.0 4.0-5.0
4.4 4.4-5.5
4.8 4.8-6.0
5.0 5.0-6.25
5.5 5.5-6.87
6.0 6.0-7.5
6.5 6.5-8.12
7.0 7.0-8.75
7.5 7.5-9.37
8.0 8.0-10.0
8.5 8.5-10.62
9.0 9.0-11.25
9.5 9.5-11.87
10.0 10.0-12.5
10.5 10.5-13.12
11.0 11.0-13.75
11.5 11.5-14.4
12.0 12.0-15.0

33
MOTOR SELECTION (continued)

Matching ampere rating is usually more accurate than

matching horsepower.
Speed and voltage of the replacement motor must always
match the speed and voltage of the replaced motor.
A Permanent-Split Capacitor motor can replace an
equivalent Shaded-Pole motor since it is twice as
efficient and its amp draw is about 1/2 as great.
Shaded-Pole motors should not be used to replace
Permanent-Split Capacitor motors.
It is important to realize that motor amps are actually
related to how fast the shaft is spinning at the instant a
reading is taken. At the instant a motor is energized and
before the shaft even begins to spin, the magnetic flux
created by the windings sweep through the rotor bars and
produce currents through them. This rotor bar current
produces its own invisible magnetic flux lines. As soon
as the rotor begins to spin, its own magnetic flux lines
will begin to cut through the motor windings. This action
will generate a voltage in the winding that actually
opposes the line voltage. This action actually pushes
back the flow of motor amperage. As the rotor approach-
es full speed such as 1075 RPM, the rotor bar flux is
sweeping through the winding so fast that the opposing
voltage generated suppresses the motor amperage down
to the nameplate rating.

MOTOR SELECTION
VERIFICATION
When a Fasco replacement motor has been selected and
installed, a final check of the current draw of the motor
running in the unit should be made. This check is particu-
larly beneficial when the motor in the application has been
replaced before, since the previous replacement motor may
not have been correct for the application. The table below
will help this procedure as it shows the range within which
the motor should be operating under load. For instance, if

34
the amps on the nameplate of the replacement motor is 1.6
and it draws 1.7 in the application, it is OK. If it draws
1.1 amps it is too strong, and if it draws 1.8 it is too weak.

Safe Amp Range within

Nameplate Amps of the which the Motor can
Replacement Motor Operate in the Application
1.0 .75-1.10
1.2 .90-1.32
1.3 .98-1.43
1.4 1.05-1.53
1.5 1.13-1.65
1.6 1.20-1.76
1.7 1.28-1.87
1.8 1.35-1.98
1.9 1.43-2.09
2.0 1.50-2.20
2.2 1.65-2.42
2.4 1.80-2.64
2.6 1.95-2.86
2.8 2.10-3.08
3.0 2.25-3.30
3.3 2.48-3.63
3.6 2.70-3.96
4.0 3.00-4.40
4.4 3.30-4.84
4.8 3.60-5.28
5.0 3.75-5.5
5.5 4.13-6.05
6.0 4.50-6.6
6.5 4.88-7.15
7.0 5.25-7.70
7.5 5.63-8.25
8.0 6.00-8.80
8.5 6.38-9.35
9.0 6.75-9.90
9.5 7.13-10.45
10.0 7.50-11.0
10.5 7.88-11.6
11.0 8.25-12.1
11.5 8.63-12.7
12.0 9.0-13.2

After the replacing motor has been installed and the sys-
tem turned on, the unit should be monitored for about
two hours to make certain no unusual condition appears.
Motor shafts should rotate freely when checked by hand.
If a motor shaft is tight, tap lightly on the motor with a non-
metallic mallet, or loosen the thru-bolts, then re-tighten.

35
 MOTOR WIRING AND
ROTATION REVERSING
Motor leads are either color-coded or numbered for identi-
fication. There are variations in the color codings between
manufacturers so it is always best to check the old motor
first to make sure the existing wiring system is identified
and diagrammed. If not, make your own diagram at the
time of disassembly.

FACT Most Fasco PSC replacement motors have two brown

capacitor leads in order to provide a simple hook-up. One of the
brown leads has a white tracer on it. This lead can be cut off and
insulated when only one capacitor lead is desired. It is common
to see OEM applications with only one capacitor lead connected
to the capacitor. The other lead on the other side of the capacitor
is usually the common.

Typical Wiring Diagram for Shaded-Pole Motors

Standard wiring color codes as used by FASCO and most other

manufacturers for Shaded-Pole motors.

Typical Wiring Diagram for P.S.C. Motors

Permanent-Split Capacitor motors have many different kinds of wiring

arrangements. The standard for FASCO and most other manufacturers
is shown.

36
FACT If the ground lead is present, it will be green or green
with a yellow tracer. The wiring diagram for all Fasco motors
is shown on the motor nameplate.

FACT To reverse rotation of Fasco electrically reversible

models, switch the four external connectors (two female recep-
tors and two male plugs). It’s impossible to plug the male
plugs together, and it’s impossible to plug the female receptors
into each other. One plug goes into each receptor and, if rota-
tion is wrong, simply reverse the plugs.

FACT The current Fasco reversing lead system consists of

two yellow and two purple leads.

FACT On multi-speed motors, always connect the common

(white) lead to the power first.

FACT Connecting like color leads (yellow to yellow, purple

to purple) will give clockwise rotation (shaft end). Connecting
unlike color leads will give counter clockwise rotation (shaft
end).

FACT When the original motor does not have two separate
capacitor leads and the original wiring pattern is desired, the
following wiring diagram can be used on many Fasco motors.

37
MOTOR WIRING AND
ROTATION REVERSING (continued)
FACT Mechanically reversing rotation is possible with certain
models. The model will need to have the inherent feature of the sta-
tor being positioned exactly in the center of the motor. Each motor
will need to be looked at on an individual basis. If the motor has
thru-bolts, you can use the following procedures for reversing:
1. Remove the thru-bolts.
2. Remove one end shield.
3. Remove stator, turn it around, then re-insert it. Leads should
be pulled through the available end shield ventilating openings.
4. Replace end shield, thru-bolts, and re-tighten thru-bolts.
5. Check that shaft turns freely. If shaft is tight, tap motor light-
ly with non-metallic mallet. It may sometimes be necessary
to loosen and re-tighten thru-bolts.

FACT When connecting multi-speed motors, always connect

the common (white) lead to the power supply first. The various
speed leads go to the switching device. IMPORTANT: If line
voltage is applied to two of the speed leads at once, the motor
winding can quickly overheat and fail. The overload cannot
protect the motor in this case.

FACT The direction of rotation of a Shaded-Pole motor is

determined by the location of the shading bands (coil) imbed-
ded in the stator poles. Rotation is toward the shading band.

FACT Before dismantling a motor, scratch an arrow on the

case of the bad motor indicating direction of rotation.

FACT Rotation of Fasco motors is defined by looking at the

shaft end of single shaft motors or opposite lead end on double
shaft motors.

FACT Do not carry motor by its leads. They can easily be

damaged.

FACT Fasco motors all have wiring diagrams on the name-

plate. Each model is designed with the versatility to replace
many motors using features such as electrical reversing, and
extended studs.

FACT Green or green with a yellow tracer is always the

ground wire.

FACT Never connect the line voltage to two speed leads.

FACT One brown capacitor lead, on Fasco motors that have

two brown capacitor leads, has a white tracer. Tape off this lead
if only one capacitor lead is required. Simply connect the solid
brown lead to one side of the capacitor. The other side of the
capacitor is where the motor’s white lead is connected along
with one of the AC power leads. See diagram in this section.

38
 MOTOR INSTALLATION
1. Make sure all power to the unit is disconnected.
2. Make sure you understand the motor wiring diagram. If
you hook the motor up incorrectly, you void its warran-
ty. Determine the leads on the replacement motor
which correspond to the original motor leads.
Additional leads may be present. Individually insulate
all extra leads at this time. Extra leads may be unused
speed leads or if the brown lead with the white tracer
was cut off to match the OEM wiring.
3. Mount new motor in unit using appropriate accessory
kits as required (lug kits, band kits, adapter plates, etc.)
4. Make electrical connection. Following the wiring dia-
gram, reconnect each lead. Each lead from the motor
will connect to a different point. If two motor leads
connect to the same point, it is probably wired wrong.
5. Ground motor. For your safety, make sure motor is
grounded. The motor frame must be connected to electri-
cal service ground in accordance with local and national
electrical code. This is accomplished by using the green
or green with yellow tracer ground lead on the replace-
ment motor and connecting it from a motor tie bolt to the
metal chassis of the unit. Ensure that the metal chassis is
also grounded to the electrical service ground.
6. Secure loose hanging wires and recheck all work.
7. Apply power to unit.
8. Set controls such that motor operates on all the speeds.
9. Motor current should be checked noting the amp draw.
A. Amp should be no greater than 10% over nameplate
amps or the motor is probably overloaded.
B. If amps are less than 25% of the nameplate amps,
motor is possibly overpowered for the unit and
will possibly trip the overload after a long period
of time. Remember, electricity must perform
effectively; if not, it will make heat.
10. If there are problems with the replacing motor, they
will usually show up during the first two hours of
operation.

39
 MOUNTING MOTORS
FACT If the motor to be replaced is mounted in a resilient
base, the distance between the mounting rings must match within
1/4". Rubber mounting rings are 2-1/4" or 2-1/2" in diameter.
Turning the rings around on the motor hubs will change the dis-
tance between the mounting points on the rings by 1/4".

FACT Fasco double shaft room air conditioning replacement

motors can be used with a ring mounting adapter kit which con-
sists of 2-1/4" diameter rubber mounting rings and steel ring
enlargers for changing the ring diameter to 2-1/2". The brackets
can be mounted on the motor thru-bolts. These brackets can be
positioned along the extended thru-bolts to provide a wide variety
of distances between mounting rings.

FACT When using Henrite 2-1/4"

ring with the double metal rings that
expand the diameter to 2-1/2", high
horsepower motors may twist in the
cradle base. Either use the 2-1/2"
diameter Henrite rings or mount the motor so that the extended tie
rod is butted up against the edge of the base to prevent twisting.

FACT The distance from the bottom

of the base to the centerline of the shaft
must be matched. This dimension is
usually 3" or 3-1/2". Fasco offers dif-
ferent sizes of cradle bases to fit most
of the cradle mounted models.

FACT The motor is mounted partial-

ly within the blower housing with a three point lug mount in
many direct drive blower applications. Direct OEM replacement
motors would come with lugs already welded on the motor for
direct interchangeableness. For general replacement, Fasco lug
kits are available with a variety of mounting hole bolt circle
diameters. Use of these kits provide what is commonly called a
“belly band” mounting.

FACT A mounting method which

has become very popular in recent
years is the flexible mounting brackets
which Fasco calls the “Fas Mount”.
Three specially designed steel mount-
ing arms are welded to a sturdy belly
band. The shape of the arms provide
superior vibration and noise isolation.

40
FACT There are two common types of resilient rubber rings.
Rings with a steel band are called Henrite type and are used
with cradle bases and knife edge supports. The other is all rub-
ber rings which are used with direct drive blower motors and
clamp type supports.

FACT The replacement motor must have a base mount which

matches the shaft height when the replaced motor has a solid
base affixed to the frame. This height is measured from the
centerline of the shaft to the bottom of the base. The mounting
hole spacing in the base must also match.

FACT Motors are sometimes mounted on bulkheads using

extended motor thru-bolts. There are many different ways
motors are mounted, and Fasco offers many accessories to help
meet these mounting needs. It is best to have the motor to be
replaced with you when selecting a replacement motor. The
key dimensions which should agree between the old and the
new motors are:
1. Motor diameter.
2. Shaft length and diameter.
3. Distance between two rings if mounted on a resilient base.
4. Bolt circle diameter if lug mounted.
5. Shaft height and base hole locations.

FACT It is often possible to use larger or smaller diameter

motors with the help of various available mounting accessories,
particularly on lug mounted or base mounted motors.

FACT When replacing motors in

bathroom ventilators, kitchen ventila-
tors, and range hoods, it is common for
these motors to use a resilient six-sided
hex bearing hub. Fasco offers a kit that
consists of two metal brackets and four
nuts which will provide the 1-1/8" OD
hex hub on 3-1/3" diameter motors.

FACT When replacing condenser

fan motors you will see some motors
mounted off cables, shaft down, sus-
pended from the center of the top of
the grill. Fasco offers these cables as
an accessory.

FACT All Fasco distributor motors are designed for all angle
operation.

FACT Motors installed horizontally should be rotated so that

leads are in the 6 o’clock position or looped so water cannot
enter the motor.

41
CONTACTOR VA RATINGS
Contactors have something called sealed and inrush VA’s.
These VA ratings are requirements that the contactor has
for the transformer supplying power to it. A contactor VA
value is arrived at by multiplying the voltage and current
requirements of the contactor coil. The user must make
sure the control transformer can supply this amount of VA.
The VA and voltage rating is a standard method to rate
transformers and is found on the transformer nameplate.
Two types of VA ratings exist for contactors; namely,
inrush and sealed. Contactors act somewhat like motors
with regards to the levels of current they draw. The instant
a contactor is energized its current draw is at maximum.
This is where the inrush VA requirement comes from.
After a fraction of a second the contactor will be physical-
ly closed and the VA requirement drops to a lower level.
This lower level is the sealed VA requirement. The differ-
ence in the two values is substantial. It is important for
your customers to know if their transformers can supply
the ratings needed by the contactors. If it cannot, the con-
tactor may not close when it is energized. It could also
result in an overheated control transformer.

42
 INDUCED DRAFT BLOWERS
Many of the new energy-efficient gas furnaces use induced
draft blowers to control flue gas. All induced draft blowers
incorporate some type of signaling device to signal to the
furnace that the induced draft blower is operating. Some use
a sail switch in the exhaust air stream. Others utilize a cen-
trifugal switch or electronic sensor built into the motor, and
some use a static pressure tap in the blower housing. All
blowers are intended to provide air flow prior to ignition.
In today’s furnace market, draft inducers are becoming a
common replacement part. Since these furnaces are being
designed with specific induced draft blowers, it is very
important that replacements are installed using exact
replacements. It is important that the replacements match
the original blower for safety reasons.
These blowers play an important part in controlling the
availability of gas to the burners. Most blowers will
employ either a centrifugal switch, electronic sensor, or a
vacuum tap to generate a signal to the gas valve that the
induced draft blower is operating. This feature is neces-
sary to prevent the gas valve from being turned on prema-
turely or in the event the blower does not operate properly.
These blowers control the removal of the burnt by-prod-
ucts. Therefore, only replacement blowers made for spe-
cific furnaces or water heaters should be used for these
replacements. The following exam-
ple describes why. The blower is
designed to produce a certain
amount of airflow measured in
CFM (cubic feet per minute). The
airflow in some furnaces is needed
to create a specific amount of vacu-
um at the vacuum tap mentioned
above. If the replacement blower is
not the exact one needed but ‘looks
close’, it may produce a lesser air-
flow and thereby a lesser vacuum at
the vacuum tap. This may not
allow the furnace to operate since
the furnace will not think the
induced draft blower is operating.

43
 BLOWER WHEELS
AND FAN BLADES
In many applications, Fasco PSC and Shaded-Pole motors
are directly driving either a fan blade or a blower wheel.
While both devices move air, a restriction to the air flow in
a blower has an opposite effect on the same motor driving a
fan blade. When a fan blade operates in the open (free air),
the load on the motor is the least. As the air flow system or
the filters become clogged, the load on the motor increases
and the fan slows down. When the motor is driving a squir-
rel cage blower, the load on the motor decreases as the sys-
tem becomes clogged and the blower speeds up.

FACT In every replacement of a motor and blower, the rota-

tion must be identified and matched. All Fasco replacement
motors have a rotation arrow marked on their nameplates. If pos-
sible, scratch an arrow on the shell of the motor being replaced to
indicate the direction of motor rotation. Do this before you
remove the motor or blower.

FACT Where it is impossible to determine motor rotation, the

fan blade can be used. Hold the fan blade in a horizontal posi-
tion, hub end up. If the blade curves down to the left, it is CW
and if it curves down to the right, it is CCW when looking at the
shaft end of the motor.

FACT Blower rotation is often marked on the blower wheel

itself. If not, the cups of the blower fins push the air, and that is
the direction of rotation.

FACT Dust build-up on a fan blade, blower wheel or rotor fin

can help determine the motor rotation. The majority of dust will
be on the leading edge of the fins or blades.

FACT It is desirable for a replacement propeller to have the

same number of blades and pitch as the original propeller.
Measure the pitch on the spider lobe, not on the wings them-
selves. The shape of the wing is also important. Do not inter-
change a pedestal fan blade that has rounded wings with a con-
denser fan blade that has squared wings unless you are sure it is a
performance match. Two fan blades with different wing con-
struction can vary widely in the horsepower requirements that are
needed to spin them.

44
FACT An increase in static pressure can be caused by a
clogged furnace filter. This will make a blower unload and
increase in speed but deliver less air. This generally results in
less air over the motor for cooling. The motor will also draw
less than nameplate amps.

FACT Air output in a furnace cannot be increased by just

changing motor speed.

FACT When replacing motors with fan blades mounted to

them, it is a good time to inspect the blade. Check for bends,
missing rivets, cracks in the blades or the hub assembly that may
have appeared over its years of service. When replacing these
blades, simply take note of the pitch of the wings, the diameter,
original rotation, the bore, the hub, and the number of wings.

45
 FAN LAWS
There are many occasions when your customers will have
an air-moving application such as a belt drive ventilator,
and for one reason or another it becomes necessary to
increase the amount of air flow being produced in the
application. The following article describes some basic
guidelines to offer your customer when it is time to select
the new motor horsepower to do the job. Always suggest
your customer review the change with the OEM first,
before any changes are done.
Air flow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The
pressure that develops when the moving air encounters
restrictions such as a filter, is called static pressure (SP) and
is measured in inches of water column. These two values
along with required horsepower, change as the speed of the
blower wheel or fan blade is changed. The relationships
that describe the amount of change in CFM, SP and
Horsepower when the speed changes are called Fan Laws.
Three of the laws are:
1. New CFM/Old CFM = New speed/Old speed
2. New SP/Old SP = (New speed/Old speed)^2
3. New HP/Old HP = (New speed/Old speed)^3
For example, your customer needs to change the pulley
sizes on a belt drive fan currently running at 450 RPM to
increase air flow from 5000 CFM to 9000 CFM. Existing
SP happens to be 0.5” and the motor horsepower is 1/2.
1. What new fan speed is needed?
Using the first Fan Law, and solving for New speed,
you have the following:
New speed = Old speed/(New CFM/Old CFM)
= 450(9000/5000)
= 810 RPM
2. What new static pressure will be generated?
Using the second Fan Law, and solving for New SP,
you have the following:

46
New SP = Old SP (New speed/Old speed)^2
= 0.5(810/450)^2
= 1.62" water column
3. What new HP will be needed?
Using the third Fan Law, and solving for New HP, you
have the following:
New HP = Old HP (New speed/Old speed)^3
= 0.5(810/450)^3
= 2.9 HP

Your customer will need to use a 3 HP motor!

This example shows that an 80% increase in air flow

requires a 480% increase in HP. Careful consideration
should be given to any changes in air-moving equipment
to assure results are accurate and practical.

47
 GLOSSARY
Air over - Motors intended for fan and blower service.
Motor must be located in the air stream to provide motor
cooling.
AC - Abbreviation for alternating current. The current
flow in the circuit alternates back and forth continuously.
It does this 60 times per second with 60 Hz power.
Amps - The amount of electrical current flowing in an
electrical circuit.
Ambient Temperature - The air temperature surrounding
the motor.
Blast Cooled - A term used to describe a motor having an
external fan and cooling case that forces cooling air over
the motor. Similar to totally enclosed fan cooled.
Bonderize - A process in which zinc phosphate is applied
to the motor shaft to help the shaft resist corrosion.
BTU - An abbreviation for British Thermal Unit. 12,000
BTUs equals 1 ton air conditioning.
CSA - An abbreviation for Canadian Standards
Association. They set safety standards for motors and
electrical equipment used in Canada. All Fasco 60 hertz
motors meet CSA standards and display the CSA logo on
the nameplate.
CFM - Abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Minute of air
which the fan or blower is moving.
Continuity - A term used to describe a circuit that is com-
plete. That is, the circuit is able to pass electric current.
Cooling Degree Days - Each degree that the average tem-
perature is above 65 degrees F produces one cooling
degree day.
CW/CCW - Abbreviation for Clockwise/Counter-Clockwise
rotation. CWSE means Clockwise rotation viewing the
motor from the Shaft End. CWLE means Clockwise rotation
when viewing the motor from the Lead End.
Cycling (tripping) - Motor overload is interrupting power to
motor due to excessive heat rise. It then turns the motor back
on when the motor cools. Condition repeats continuously.
DC - An abbreviation for direct current. Current flows in
one direction through the circuit.

48
Efficiency - The ratio or comparison of power output to
power input.
End Bell / End Shield - The plates at each end of the
motor which support the bearings.
End Play - This term refers to the in and out movement
the rotor has in the motor. Excessive end play can result
in problems such as fan blades hitting the fan guards. No
end play can result in a tight motor.
Fractional Horsepower - Horsepower less than 1.
Frame or Frame Size - A designation that controls certain
specifications that a motor will be built to if it is to be
called a particular frame size. Specifications such as
motor diameter are controlled.
Free Air - The blower or fan blade operates at free air
when there are no effective restrictions to air flow at the
outlet or inlet.
Full Load Torque - This is the amount of torque produced
by a motor when it is running a full load speed at rated
horsepower.
Full Load Amps - Amperage drawn by a motor when
operating at rated load, voltage, and frequency.
General Purpose Motor - It is designed with standard oper-
ating characteristics and mechanical construction for use
under usual service conditions. Has a service factor rating.
Grounding - The connection of a motor to an earth
ground to reduce the possibility of electrical shock.
Heating Degree Days - Each degree that the average tem-
perature is below 65 degrees F produces one heating
degree day.
Hertz - Frequency in cycles per second of an AC power
supply. The U.S. operates on 60 hertz (HZ).
Hi Pot (High Potential) - This is a motor test used to
detect conditions where electrical conductors (IE lead
wires, magnet wire) may have come in contact with the
non-electrical parts of the motor (IE stator laminations,
shell).
Horsepower - The rating of a motor’s ability to do work.
HP = watts output / 746.
HP = (RPM x Torque in ounce-inches) / 1,000,000.
One HP = 746 watts.

49
 GLOSSARY
HVAC - An abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning.
Inch-Ounce - A measure of torque (twist). One-inch
ounce is equal to one ounce of force applied 1" out away
from center line of the shaft.
Insulation Classes - Insulation in a motor is rated by its
temperature capability for providing reasonable motor
life. The two most common are Class A - 105 degrees C,
Class B - 130 degrees C. These are total temperatures,
not temperature rises over ambient.
Integral - Whole number. Used to describe horsepowers
of motors over one horsepower.
Lead - The hook-up wire brought out from the internal
winding to make the external connections.
Load Factor - A rating used by Fasco to show the
motor’s actual horsepower compared with nameplate rat-
ing. For example, if a 1/4 HP motor has a load factor of
1.3, it is actually 30% stronger than the 1/4 HP rating.
Lug - Mounting bracket extending from the motor shell,
usually three or four.
Mechanical Duty - Cooling by means of a fan inside or
outside the motor housing.
Microfarad (MFD) - Capacitor rating
Motor - A machine that converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
Mounting: Rigid - Motor base welded solidly to the
motor shell.
Resilient - Motor mounted in a bracket or a
base using rubber rings on each end of the
motor to isolate vibration.
Stud - Motor uses its extended thru-bolts
(studs) to mount motor.
National Electric Code (NEC) - A national code written
for the purpose of safeguarding persons and property
from the hazards arising from the improper use of elec-
tricity. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection
Institute. Used by insurance inspectors and by many gov-
ernment bodies regulating building codes.

50
NEMA - The National Electric Manufacturers
Association. Construction and performance standards for
motors, controls, and most electrical machines in the U.S.
originate from this organization.
OEM - Abbreviation for Original Equipment
Manufacturer.
O.D. (Outside Diameter) - The abbreviation for Outside
Diameter. The dimension of a round object measured
across the outer edges at locations 180 degrees apart.
Ohms Law - The basic relationship between the voltage,
current, and resistance in a circuit. Voltage = Current x
Resistance.
Overload Protector - A temperature detecting device
built into the motor that disconnects the motor from the
power source if the temperature rise becomes excessive.
Permawick - The oil-soaked cellulose fiber material that
is packed into the motor end plates for sleeve-bearing
lubrication. These fibers are made of 80 - 90% ground
wood fibers and 10 - 20% sulfite fibers.
Pitch - Referring to the angle of the wings on a fan blade.
PSC - Permanent-Split Capacitor
Resilient Mounting Ring - This is a rubber ring that is
part of the end plate assembly on some motors. Its pri-
mary function is to provide the customer a means of
mounting the motor to a base or bracket on the equip-
ment. This ring isolates vibration.
Resistance - This is the measure of a conductor’s ability
to conduct current. Resistance is measured in ohms. One
ohm of resistance will allow one amp to flow through a
conductor that has a voltage of one volt impressed on it.
Rotor - The rotating member of a motor. It is construct-
ed from stacked iron laminations. There are channels in
the stack that are filled with molten aluminum. These
aluminum bars get currents induced in them from the
winding magnetic flux. The currents produce their own
magnetic flux. This rotor flux interacts with the winding
flux to produce rotation. The shaft is securely pressed on
the rotor.
RPM - Shaft revolutions per minute.

51
 GLOSSARY
Service Factor - Pertains to self-cooled motors. A mea-
surement which states the percent horsepower the motor
can carry beyond its nameplate rating and remain self-
cooled. A service factor of 1.3 has a 30% horsepower
margin built into the motor.
Short - This is a condition in the motor windings or con-
ductors where the absence of insulation causes currents to
by-pass their normal circuit path.
Sleeve-Bearing - A sleeve style bushing used to support a
rotor in a motor. This style provides quiet motor operation
as compared to ball bearings.
Slip - A term describing the difference between the rotor
speed and the speed of the motor’s rotating magnetic field.
Rotors always drag behind the speed of a magnetic field.
Slot Insulation - Also called Slot Liner. The insulation
material used in the stator slots to protect the motor wind-
ings from scraping the laminations. It also provides wind-
ing protection against grounding to the laminations.
Special Purpose Motor - Designed for a specific applica-
tion. Developed when an OEM has refined the operating
characteristics or construction features of the motor. Does
not have standard operating characteristics or standard
mechanical features.
Squirrel Cage Blower / Centrifugal Blower / Forward
Curve Blower - Air-moving devices consisting of a wheel
made of many fins. The wheel is contained within a housing.
Stack - Thickness of a motor stator.
Starting Torque - The amount of turning force produced
by a motor as it begins to turn from a standstill. Also
called locked rotor torque.
Static Balancing - Balancing without rotation.
Static Pressure - The amount of resistance a system intro-
duces to an air mover like a blower or fan blade. A blow-
er seldom operates at free air. It generally is installed in a
system that naturally creates resistance to air flow. The
measured resistance is called static pressure. Fans and
blowers are designed to deliver different amounts of air at
different static pressure points.

52
Stator - The stack of iron laminations on which the coils
are wound.
Strobe - An RPM measuring device that flashes light
pulses at a rotating shaft. The pulses are adjusted until
an optical illusion of the shaft standing still is obtained.
At this point, the RPM reading is taken.
Submersible Motor - A motor whose housing is designed
so that the motor can run under water; completely sub-
merged. These are commonly used in water pumps.
Synchronous Motor - A motor that runs at synchronous
speed without slip.
Tachometer - RPM measuring device.
Temperature Rise - Amount of heat a motor generates
above the ambient temperature.
Torque - The twisting or turning force produced by the
motor shaft.
Voltage - The measure of electromotive force that causes
current to flow in a circuit.
UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories) - An agency who
establishes safety standards for manufacturers to adhere to.
Watts Output - The measure of mechanical power avail-
able from a motor. 746 watts equals one horsepower.

53
FASCO MOTORS GROUP
Fasco Distributing Company
East North Street
Eldon, MO 65026
Phone: 1-800-325-8313
Fax: 1-800-352-7207
Internet: www.fasco.com

Help Your Distributor Help You

Provide the following information for more accurate
motor replacement:
1. Before dismantling, scratch an arrow on the
case of the motor indicating direction of rotation.
2. Note the voltage. Often, it is not indicated on the
nameplate.
3. Note the number of speeds.
4. Note the type of motor – Permanent-Split
Capacitor or Shaded-Pole.
5. Note the shaft diameter.
6. Note the capacitor size if a PSC Motor.
7. Provide all nameplate data:
A. Horsepower
B. Amps
C. RPM
D. Frame size
E. Wiring connection
8. Provide any special application considerations.
Often, the name of the OEM unit is important.

The replacement motor and

blower specialist.