Part 8. Auxiliary Equipment | Chapter 2.
Motors And Motor Controls
2. Ambient environment temperature, normally 40
C (104 F).
3. Hot-spot temperature allowance, ranging from
5-15 C (usually 10 C).
4. Service factor, normally 15 C.
5. Allowable design motor temperature rise.
TABLE 4 – CLASSIFICATION OF MOTOR-
INSULATING MATERIALS
Open or
Dripproof
Insulation Description Guarded
Class Motor
Temp Rise
(C)
O Cotton, silk, paper and similar 40†
organic materials neither im-
pregnated with insulating
compounds* nor immersed in a
liquid dielectric.
A Same materials as in Class O 40
but impregnated or immersed in
liquid dielectric*; also enamel
coated on conductors.
B Mica, glass fiber asbestos and 70
other inorganic or organic
materials in built-up form using
suitable binders.
C Entirely of mica, porcelain,
glass, quartz or similar inorganic
materials.
F Same as Class B, using 90†
modified organic binders.
H Same as Class B, using silicone 110
resin binders.
*An insulation is considered to be impregnated when a suitable
substance replaces the air between its fibers.
†Approximate temperature rise.
Motors used in air conditioning and refrigeration
systems normally use Class A insulation that permits a
40 C temperature rise for the windings. With present
standards the life of the motor winding is approximately
35,000 hours when operated at rated temperature and
subjected to normal dielectric and mechanical stresses
and humidity.
For open motors applied in the tropics or similar
environments, special insulation must be provided
because the motors may be exposed to excessive
ambient temperatures and humidity.
TABLE 5 – SERVICE FACTOR, A.C. INDUCTION
MOTORS
Motor Horsepower Service Factor
1
/8 and below 1.40
1
/6 , 1/4, 1/3 1.35
1
/2 , 3/4, 1 1.25
Limiting 1 1/2, 2 1.20
Safe 3 and larger 1.15
Hot Spot
Temp Service Factor
(C) Standard open type motors of NEMA Design A, B
90(194 F) and C (also Design F) carry a service factor, an
allowable continuous overload above the rated name-
plate horsepower, without causing a dangerous
temperature rise because of overload. Table 5 lists the
service factors for fractional and integral horsepower
105(221 F) induction motors.
Service factors apply only when the voltage and
frequency are held at the rated value. When a motor is
operated continuously overloaded, the motor naturally
130(266 F) has a higher temperature rise and, therefore may have
an efficiency, power factor and speed different than the
rated load. The locked-rotor torque, current and
breakdown torque remain the same. It must be
remembered that the temperature rise caused by
operating a motor at a continuous service factor
overload shortens the life of insulation and therefore the
155(311 F) life of the motor. As a rule each temperature rise of 10 C
halves the life of the insulation.
180(356 F)
EXTERNAL OVERHEATING OF MOTOR
The temperature rise previously discussed is the
result of current flow occasioned by the load applied at
the rated voltage and frequency. However there are
other considerations under which motor overheating
may result:
1. Obstruction to heat dissipation due to
improper ventilation.
2. Obstruction to heat dissipation due to physical
debris inside or outside the motor.
3. Rise in ambient temperature above 40 C (104
F).
4. Unbalance in voltage.
5. Voltage and/or frequency variation from rated.