HOW TO READ A RATING (NAME) PLATE ON ELECTRIC MOTORS.
All electric motors and pumps have a rating plate. Rating plates, also known as nameplates, identify essential data such as serial or model numbers, date of manufacture, load data, voltage, operating instructions and more that is specific to the electric motor. The level of information does vary slightly depending on the electric motor or pump brand as does the layout.
All key information is detailed and at your fingertips when you need to install and run or replace the electric motor. Rating plates also detail base electrical data and are a good reference for electrical fault finding. Below is an example name plate explaining each part.
The motor’s main rating plate shows the motor’s performance values with various connections at nominal speed. The rating plate also shows the efficiency level, year of manufacture and the lowest nominal efficiency at 100, 75, and 50 % nominal load.
If you need to replace your electric motor, the key information we need is:
- Frame size
- Speed (rpm) or pole (2, 4, 6 or 8)
- kW
- Phase (~): single or three
- Mounting configuration: feet (B3), foot and flange (B35) or B34 (foot and face), B14 face (no flange)
An easy way to capture this information is to take a photo of the whole motor to show how it is used, rating plate and how it is mounted then come in to see us at 471 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North. Or email the photos to