Horsepower (HP) is a measure of the rate at which work is done in reference to the output of an AC motor. HP can also be converted into kilowatts at a rate of 0.745 kW per 1 HP, which is equal to 550 ft-lb/s (foot-pounds per second). We offer AC Motors in a wide range of horsepower options. In addition to knowing the horsepower you need, there are additional factors to understand when looking at AC motors.
Range of Options
- 0.12 to 800HP.
AC Motors by HP
OVERVIEW
What is horsepower?
Horsepower is a measure of the work done by an AC motor. 1 HP can be visualized by the image of a horse, or a 1 HP motor, lifting a 550 lbs by 1 foot over 1 second. More weight means a slower lift.
HP on the Nameplate
Horsepower and RPM
The horsepower listed on the motor’s nameplate is achieved at the Nameplate RPM. Horsepower and RPM share a linear relationship. For example, an 1800 RPM motor operating at half speed will produce half the horsepower.
Torque
Torque is the driving rotational force of an AC motor. Torque is what produces horsepower, or the motor’s ability to do work at a given rate. HP is understood as a product of the motor’s torque and RPM.
HP vs kW
The work performed by an AC motor is measured in two different ways: Horsepower (HP) and Kilowatts (kW). Both are units of power and are preferred in different parts of the world. 1Hp equals 0.746 kW (while 1 kW equals 1.34 HP).
Other Considerations
Voltage
Your chosen motor’s voltage should match the supply voltage available to you. Motors typically have more than one possible voltage depending on how they are wired.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
RPM represents the speed of the motor. The rated RPM is specific to the frequency stated on the motor’s nameplate, and a different frequency will produce different results..
Frame
The size of the actual frame of a given frame size may vary slightly between manufacturers, but a frame size notation is a universal reference to shaft diameter, shaft length, and mounting footprint. Given motors from two different manufacturers with the same state frame size, those three dimensions will remain consistent.