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Baldor launches large single-phase AC induction motors on UK market

* ideal for agricultural applications such as milk pumps, conveyors, grain stirrers, crop dryers, hopper feeders

Baldor has expanded its presence in the UK motor market by launching a range of large metric-mounting single-phase AC induction motors primarily intended for farm and agricultural applications. The motors are available exclusively from the E. Bennett (Electrical) Company – one of Baldor’s UK distributors – and span a power range from 2.2 to 5.5kW.

The range comprises four models, with IEC frame sizes of D100L, D112M, D132S and D132M, and power ratings of 2.2, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.5kW respectively. The motors are capacitor start/capacitor run models, designed for direct-on-line operation from standard 240V, 50Hz single-phase mains supplies. They are all 4-pole designs, intended for running at 1,425RPM, and have very low no-load current ratings, making them particularly economic for applications involving lengthy idle times. The 2.2kW model, for example, requires just 1.8A at no load, and even the largest 5.5kW model only requires 8.92A.

The 2.2 and 3kW models feature very low starting currents, enabling them to be run from a standard domestic supply. This reduces installation time and costs to an absolute minimum, making the motors especially attractive to customers seeking a speedy replacement for a failed unit. The motors’ combination of low starting and running currents also make them suitable for a variety of hobbyist and home business applications. The 2.2kW model, for example, has a full load current of 12.5A and can be plugged straight into a standard 13A socket, making it ideal for use with small lathes or machine tools. Another suitable application is driving the compressor in the refrigeration plant of an ice-cream van overnight, to recharge the freezer.

The 4 and 5.5kW motors also feature a low starting current facility. They are equipped with combined 240V/480V windings and are designed specifically to be compatible with industry-standard series/parallel starters for single-phase motors, which keep the starting current down to twice the full load current. The 4kW motor has a full load current of 24.2A, while the 5.5kW model requires 30A.

All four motors feature TEFC (Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled) enclosures with an IP55 rating, and are suitable for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to +40˚C. Constructed from heavy gauge rolled steel with an epoxy paint finish, the motors are particularly suitable for the type of arduous, low-maintenance environment that is characteristic of farm and agricultural applications. Built-in condensation drains help minimise maintenance, and a manually re-settable thermal cut-out protects the motor against overload conditions. The cut-out is incorporated in the conduit box to guard against the ingress of water and dust. Long-term reliability is further enhanced by the use of ball-bearing races loaded with advanced Polyrex EM grease, which provides extended lubrication life and superior resistance to washout, rust and corrosion.

Baldor’s large metric-mounting single-phase motors are ideal for applications on outlying farms and remote agricultural installations, where the costs of installing a three-phase supply could prove prohibitive. Typical applications include milk pumps, conveyor and hopper feed systems, crop dryers and grain stirrers.