What is Motor Frame Number
The motor "frame number" refers to the standardized designation for the motor's external mechanical dimensions. It is primarily defined by motor manufacturing standards (such as NEMA, IEC, etc.) and is used to ensure consistency and interchangeability in installation and mechanical connections between motors of different brands and models.
What is the purpose of the frame number?
- Defines the motor's external dimensions: such as base mounting hole positions, shaft diameter, shaft height (center height), flange dimensions, etc.
- Aids in selection and replacement: Motors with the same frame number can usually be directly interchanged, even if they are from different brands.
- Used for designing mechanical interfaces: When designing machinery or equipment, engineers design motor mounts, connecting flanges, and other structures based on the frame number.
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| NEMA | National Electrical Manufacturers Association standard, commonly used in the Americas |
| IEC | International Electrotechnical Commission standard, commonly used in Europe and Asia (IEC is widely used in Taiwan) |
| JIS | Japanese Industrial Standards |
| CNS | Chinese National Standards (mostly aligned with IEC) |
Example (based on IEC standard): Motor frame number 132M
- "132" indicates a motor center height of 132 mm (height from the motor shaft center to the base)
- "M" indicates a medium frame length (also S=short, L=long)
