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How to Calculate Motor Service Factors:

A service factor, or "SF," is a factor representing the capacity at which a motor can operate without overloading or damaging its core or components. The reference point is a service factor of 1, which would mean a motor cannot operate over its rated horsepower, or "hp," without overheating. Similarly, for example, a service factor of 1.25 says the motor can operate 25% over its rated hp without damage or overheating. Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_8033973_calculate-motor-service-factors.html#ixzz2hclEPBiL

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Instructions
1.
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1
Determine the horsepower of your motor. If you do not know it, reference the manufacturer's specifications.

2
Refer to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association table, or "NEMA table", for service factors. The table relates service factors to hp and revolutions per minute, or "RPMs" . Calculate or determine your service factor by choosing the service factor that corresponds to your hp and various RPM levels. For example, according to the table, if you have a 1HP motor and you operate it at 3600 RPM continuously, your service factor is 1.25.

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3
Calculate your operating or "effective" HP level. Multiply your motor horsepower by the service factor. For example, if you have a 1HP motor and your service factor is 1.25, then you can operate safely at an HP = 1.25HP without overheating or damaging the motor.

How to Calculate Motor Overload


Electric motors have a rated voltage and frequency and a rated full load current which can all be found on the motor nameplate. Motors must be operated at rated voltage and frequency, and the motor overload can then be calculated by comparing the actual motor current to the rated full load current. Motors heat up when overloaded, reducing the life expectancy of their insulation. However, if the nameplate of the motor gives a service factor, the motor can be overloaded by that amount without any damage.

Instructions
1.
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1
Get the rated voltage and frequency from the motor nameplate. Check that the voltage of the electric supply feeding the motor matches the rated voltage. For the US and Canada, the rated frequency should be 60Hz. If these figures don't match, then measuring the motor current may not give a true indication of motor heating and overload.

2
Measure the motor current. Divide by the rated full load current from the motor nameplate. This will be the load factor for the motor. If the motor current is 22A and the rated full load current is 20A, then the load factor is 22/20 = 1.1. This means the motor is overloaded by 10%. If the load factor is 1.0 or less, the motor is not overloaded.

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3
Check the motor nameplate for a service factor. Many motors are rated with a service factor of 1.15 which means the motor can be overloaded by 15% without damage. If the motor in the example from step 2 had a service factor of 1.15 then its overload would be acceptable and the motor could be operated without damage.

4
Check the motor nameplate for the ambient temperature rating and the insulation class ratings. Electric motors are commonly rated for operation in an ambient temperature of 40 deg. C (104 deg. F) or 50 deg. C (122 deg. F). Their insulation rating is usually class B or F. Class B insulation motors are designed for an operating temperature in the insulation of up to 130 deg. C (266 deg. F) and class F insulation motors for 155 deg. C (311 deg. F).

Tips & Warnings

If the motor is always operating at an ambient temperature well below the rated ambient temperature, it may be possible to overload the motor without damage. Check with the manufacturer for new nameplate information based on a lower rated ambient temperature. If the motor is operating with an insulation temperature well below the maximum temperature, it may be possible to overload the motor without damage. This is especially true if the motor is insulated to class F but utilized to class B. Check with the manufacturer for new nameplate information based on utilizing the motor to class F.

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References

The Engineering Tool Box: Service Factor

Resources

The Engineering Toolbox: NEMA Service Factor Table Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

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