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AC motors convert electrical energy into mechanical movement. Pervasive in factory and commercial applications, AC motors have a lower maintenance requirement than DC motors, and when paired with a VFD, can offer similar performance in torque.
AC Motors
Category Selection
AC motors are electric motors driven by alternating current. AC motors are widely used in industry, primarily due to their high efficiency, and their ability to produce constant torque up to the rated speed. Considerations when specifying an electric motor include mechanical and environmental considerations as well as application and operation.
Numerous motor types are available, some with very specific applications, but the most commonly used are general purpose and inverter duty. General purpose motors can be used for a wide variety of applications and provide basic functionality. Inverter duty motors can be used with VFDs for precise control and can run at very slow speeds without overheating. For more information about these motors and help with choosing the correct motor type, read: Choosing General Purpose vs. Inverter-Duty Motors
For part listings and specifications, go to Shop Now
General Purpose and Inverter Rated
General purpose AC induction motors are widely used to power pumps, blowers, conveyors and other industrial machinery. Inverter-rated motors can be used with VFDs to improve efficiency. From small single-phase to large 3-phase motors, models are available for general use or hazardous locations.
- Sizes from fractional horsepower up to 300hp, depending on series
- Popular and well-trusted models from Marathon, Leeson and Ironhorse brands
- Enclosure styles/ratings may include open-drip-proof (ODP); totally enclosed (TEFC);totally enclosed non-ventilated (TENV); washdown; and hazardous location rated
High-performance Inverter Duty
High-performance inverter-duty motors are designed to handle lower speeds without overheating, and can withstand the PWM output of an inverter (VFD). Inverter-duty motors are used in variable speed applications such as machine tools, conveyors, crane and hoist systems, extruders and packaging/converting equipment. These motors may also have encoder capability for use with a vector VFD.
- Sizes from fractional horsepower up to 100hp, depending on series
- Marathon motors offered are performance-matched with our DURAPulse and GS/GX series AC drives
- Leeson washdown-rated motors in TENV enclosures
- Marathon Symax PMAC motors in super premium efficiency rating
4 in 1
4-in-1 AC motors are a single motor type designed to support a variety of common industrial or commercial installations. 4-in-1 motors can be used for general purpose or, when 3-phase, inverter duty applications, and are suitable for horizontal or vertical mounting.
- Marathon rolled-steel housed motors up to 3hp
Washdown
Washdown-duty AC induction motors can power pumps, blowers, conveyors and other industrial machinery in environments where wet cleaning is required. In various NEMA frames with rigid base or C-face mounting provisions, available models are made from stainless steel, or rolled steel with a chemical-resistant white epoxy finish. Inverter-rated models can improve operational efficiency.
- Sizes from fractional horsepower up to 20hp, depending on series
- Leeson washdown-rated motors in TEFC or TENV enclosures (stainless steel or white epoxy finish, depending on model)
- Ironhorse premium efficiency models (stainless steel)
Conveyor/Farm Duty
Conveyor/farm duty motors are over-built for demanding industrial or compressor-duty applications. Delivering high starting torque at moderate starting current, rugged TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motors have an IP55 ingress rating and include resettable (class 10) locked-rotor current overload to withstand serious abuse.
- Ironhorse motors in sizes from 2hp to 10hp
- Farm duty applications include augers, feeders, hoists, grinders and blowers
Hazardous Location
Hazardous location motors are suitable for installations/environments where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers. See individual motor specifications for detailed information on certified hazardous class, division zone and groups supported.
- IronHorse MTCP2 series up to 300hp
- Marathon Globetrotter series up to 200hp
- Cast iron construction
- Class 1 Div 2
Centrifugal Jet Pump
Centrifugal jet pump AC induction motors are used to power industrial, commercial, centrifugal, and hydraulic pumps. Available in 1-phase or 3-phase configurations, jet pump motors have double-sealed bearings, and a NEMA 56J or 56HJ frame.
- Motor sizes from fractional horsepower up to 3hp
- Single- and three-phase models
- TEFC enclosures
Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC)
Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motors provide a smaller footprint and higher efficiency at lower speeds and partial loads when compared to standard AC induction motors. These high-performance inverter-duty motors are designed for use only with a VFD that is capable of controlling a PMAC motor, and cannot be controlled with an across-the-line motor starter.
- Marathon Symax series in sizes from fractional horsepower up to 10hp
- Super premium efficiency rating
- Constant torque from zero to base speed
AC Motor Accessories
Newest Additions!
- Murrelektronik motor surge suppressors
Accessories, spare and replacement parts for AC motors include:
- Start and Run capacitors
- Centrifugal and stationary switches
- Surge suppressors
- Cooling fans
- Removable motor bases
- Junction boxes
- Fan covers (shrouds)
- Endbells
- C-Face flanges
- Current diverter rings
- Encoder kits for select inverter-duty motors
*Shipped standard ground or LTL (see Shipping Options for complete details and restrictions).
Shipping restrictions on all large electric motors:
- Due to weight restrictions, large motors cannot be shipped to the Virgin Islands.
- "NEXT DAY" truck delivery options on motors are only available for a very limited number of in-stock items and are subject to regional limitations. Orders must be placed no later than 12:00pm (noon) Eastern time and... AN EXPEDITE FEE WILL BE CHARGED.
- Saturday delivery is NOT available for motors that must ship via truck (ground service).
- In-stock motors will typically ship within one business day via the AutomationDirect preferred shipping provider.
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