Fractional Horsepower Motors Industry Information

A fractional horsepower motor is a motor, built in a frame, which has power that rates smaller than one horsepower. They can be fuel powered but most often are electric. Being categorized as a fractional hp motor can be relative to the frame size as well as the amount of fractional horsepower. The frame size of the motors is based on the standards put in place by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). If the frame size is a 42, 48 or 56, then it can be a fractional horsepower motor even if the horsepower exceeds one horsepower. From the 56 frame on up, motors are available in horsepowers greater than those normally associated with fractionals. For instance, 56 frame motors can go as high as 5 hp. For this reason, calling motors with two-digit frame sizes "fractionals" is technically somewhat misleading. So the way a motor is deemed "fractional" is largely dependant on the manufacturer. It is important to note that each frame size designates a particular shaft height, shaft diameter and face or base mounting hole pattern.

These motors are used in many industries and often need to be customized. They provide power and controlled motion for smaller or low horsepower needs. They are part of small surgical devices in hospitals, in internal computer fans and as part of pumps as well as many other industrial and commercial applications. The internal power configurations are varied depending on the desired use of the motor itself. They configure electrical power into rotational energy and thus actuate the devices that they are connected to.

It is important to note the main components of electrical motors in general of which fractional hp motors are a type. The components of an electric motor are the enclosure, rotor, axle or shaft, coil and field magnet. Not all electric motors contain brushes, which help conduct current. When an electric motor is brushless, a external power supply is used to get the current transferred. Brushless electric motors are actually more expensive because they last longer and have fewer issues with potential sparking from high speed operation.

When looking for a fractional horsepower motor, the following labels are important to consider: C= face mounting, G=gasoline pump motor, H=frame with larger "F" dimension, J=jet pump motor, Y=unique/special mounting dimensions and Z=shaft extension, which is not standard, but all other mounting dimensions are standard. Fractional hp motors can be either AC or DC. Each application requires a different standard of necessities for optimum motor selection and performance. Keep in mind the voltage, frequency and number of phases of power supply needed. Custom fractional horsepower is available for uncommon situations.

Fractional Horse Power Motors and Fractional HP Motors Images Provided by Dumore Corporation

Fractional Horse Power Motors and Fractional HP Motors Images Provided by Met Motors