Advice on SB options (motor size, power, etc.)

[tom_twark]

Could anyone give us some feedback on a 5HP vs.3HP motor for Alpha as we choose best options for our shop. Also, if you use a 7.5HP 1PH blower,and 5HP motor, does the machine reach full amperage when the blower,motor,and control box are at full working conditions (20,30,40 FLA respectively). Doest this setup run under full load normally? (don't want to have to rework power in shop). Thanks

[rookie432]

If I understand your question right Tom I think you may be confusing FLA full load ammps and Operating current or amps. Full Load Amps will be the amperage on start up current or "locked rotor" etc. You most likely wont reach full load amps unless all three start at the exact same time. Most of your motors will have a tag that displays FLA and operating amps. Motors require more current to start and get to full power than to maintain operation once power has been reached.

Hope that's your question.

Bill

[imacarver]

A motor will rarely run at the FLA rating during normal operation unless a significant load is present. Bill is correct that the plate on a motor states the "max" amperage at startup, this is not the avg. Amp rating for operation. In fact, a majority of the motors I work with only run at half of what the plate specifies.