A 15 HP requirement is met in practice by an 11 kW motor, and our shop offers four frame/speed options at this rating: the 3000 rpm DRG-160M1-2, the 1500 rpm DRG-160M-4, the 1000 rpm DRG-160L-6 and the compact DRG-132M-4K, which fits the same 1500 rpm values into a smaller frame. Full-load currents on a 380 V network range from 20.6 A to 23.1 A.

Two decisions stand out at this power. The first is the frame: a standard 11 kW 4-pole motor has a 160 shaft height, while the compact version sits in a 132 frame and is 132 mm shorter. The second is starting: 11 kW is one of the first power steps where star-delta starting is commonly used. The rest of this article covers both topics with numbers.

For every model and its current details, see our Buy Electric Motors Online page; in the table below each model code links to its product page.

11 kW models: four options in one table

Grey DRG MOTOR branded three-phase electric motor – 15 HP 11 kW standard and compact frame motor
ModelFrameSpeed (rpm)I 380 V (A)I 400 V (A)cos φTn (Nm)Ts/TnIs/InHousingPrice
DRG-160M1-2160M294520.619.60.8935.72.08.1aluminium / cast ironSee Prices
DRG-160M-4160M146521.520.40.8571.72.27.7aluminium / cast ironSee Prices
DRG-132M-4K132M146521.520.40.8571.72.27.7aluminium (compact)See Prices
DRG-160L-6160L97023.122.00.8108.32.07.2aluminium / cast ironSee Prices

The row that stands out is the compact model: current, cos φ, torque and starting ratios of the DRG-132M-4K are identical to the standard DRG-160M-4. Only the mechanical envelope differs. The compact option is offered only as a 4-pole aluminium motor; the 2- and 6-pole 11 kW models come in both aluminium and cast iron.

Standard 160M versus compact 132M, millimetre by millimetre

The real question with a compact motor is “where will it fit?”. The difference column below shows how much space the same 11 kW / 1465 rpm output takes in each frame.

DimensionStandard DRG-160M-4Compact DRG-132M-4KDifference
H – shaft height (mm)160132−28
L – overall length (mm)608476−132
AC – housing diameter (mm)314258.4−55.6
AD – terminal box height (mm)251203−48
A – foot holes across (mm)254216−38
B – foot holes lengthwise (mm)210178−32
C (mm)10889−19
D × E – shaft (mm)42 × 11038 × 80—
K – foot hole4–Φ14.54–Φ12—
Bearing6309-C36208-ZZ-C3—
Cable entry2 × M40×1.52 × M32×1.5—

What to read from the table:

  • Length drops by 132 mm and shaft height by 28 mm. In narrow machine bodies, cabinet installations and power upgrades without changing the existing structure, this difference is decisive.
  • The shaft is 38 × 80 mm instead of 42 × 110 mm. If the coupling, pulley hub or pump connection is made for 42 mm, the compact model cannot be fitted directly.
  • Foot holes follow the 132M standard. The base of an old 7.5 kW 4-pole motor (DRG-132M-4) is A = 216, B = 178 mm; the compact 11 kW fits the same hole pattern. This is the practical way to raise power from 7.5 kW to 11 kW on the same base.
  • Bearing and cable entry are smaller. 6208-ZZ-C3 instead of 6309-C3, an M32 gland instead of M40. Keep this in mind when ordering cable glands.

When is the compact frame not the right choice?

If the machine is built for a 42 mm shaft, if a heavy pulley or high radial load sits on the shaft end, or if the base is already drilled for a 160 frame, the standard DRG-160M-4 needs fewer changes. See the technical drawings page for dimension details.

Star-delta starting an 11 kW motor: the numbers

The idea of star-delta starting is to apply √3 times lower voltage to the windings at start, cutting line current to one third. The cost is torque: starting torque also drops to one third. Because the nameplate voltage of these models is 400/690 V, their normal running connection on a 380–400 V network is delta, which makes them suitable for star-delta starting. Connection and panel work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

ModelIn 380 V (A)Direct-on-line starting current (A)Starting current in star (A)DOL starting torque (Nm)Starting torque in star (Nm)
DRG-160M1-220.6≈ 166.9≈ 55.6≈ 71.4≈ 23.8
DRG-160M-4 / 132M-4K21.5≈ 165.6≈ 55.2≈ 157.7≈ 52.6
DRG-160L-623.1≈ 166.3≈ 55.4≈ 216.6≈ 72.2

Method: DOL starting current = In × Is/In (21.5 × 7.7 ≈ 165.6 A); in star, one third of that. Starting torque = Tn × Ts/Tn (71.7 × 2.2 ≈ 157.7 Nm); in star, one third. These are approximate values derived from catalogue ratios; actual values vary with the network and the load.

Practical result: the 4-pole 11 kW motor produces about 52.6 Nm in star, which is below its rated torque (71.7 Nm). Star-delta therefore only works when the load is light at start (a fan starting unloaded, an empty belt, a pump with a throttled valve). On a conveyor or compressor that starts loaded, the motor cannot accelerate in star and a large current surge occurs at the changeover to delta. We discuss when direct-on-line starting is acceptable in our article on direct starting of 11 and 15 kW motors; check your own values with the star-delta starting calculator.

Which 11 kW model for which job?

  • DRG-160M1-2 (3000 rpm): coupled centrifugal pumps, high-pressure fans. These are the load types best suited to star-delta starting.
  • DRG-160M-4 (1500 rpm): geared conveyors, mixers, screw compressors, hydraulic power units. Most general-purpose machines.
  • DRG-132M-4K (1500 rpm, compact): the same jobs, when space is tight or an existing 132M base is to be kept.
  • DRG-160L-6 (1000 rpm): slow, high-torque loads, machines with large pulleys, mills and crushing equipment.

Which technical factors determine the price of a 15 HP motor?

The difference between the options at the same 11 kW comes from technical features:

  • Frame size: standard 160M/160L or compact 132M.
  • Number of poles: the 6-pole model has a 160L frame and is longer.
  • Housing material: aluminium or cast iron.
  • Mounting: foot, flange or foot-and-flange.

Current prices for each configuration are on the product pages; our blog articles do not quote amounts. All options are listed among the 120 models in our online shop.

Pre-order checklist

  • Is the old motor on the machine a 132M or a 160M frame? Has the foot hole spacing (A × B) been measured?
  • Should the shaft be 38 mm or 42 mm? Which one is the coupling or pulley hub made for?
  • Is the panel star-delta or direct-on-line? Is the load unloaded at start?
  • On a 380–400 V network the running connection is delta; are the terminal links set accordingly?
  • Will you need an M32 or an M40 cable gland?
  • If the site is dusty or subject to vibration, is a cast iron housing needed? (The compact model is aluminium only.)

11 kW (15 HP) motor options

Click to see current prices and order these motors nowSEE PRICES →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many amps does a 15 HP motor draw?

At 380 V and full load, the 3000 rpm model draws 20.6 A, the 1500 rpm models (standard and compact) 21.5 A and the 1000 rpm model 23.1 A.

Does an 11 kW motor need star-delta starting?

Not necessarily; it depends on whether the network can handle the starting current and whether the load is light at start. Because starting torque drops to one third in star, it is not suitable for loads that start loaded.

Is a compact 11 kW motor less powerful than a standard one?

No. The catalogue values of the DRG-132M-4K (11 kW, 1465 rpm, 21.5 A, 71.7 Nm) are the same as the standard DRG-160M-4; the differences are frame size, shaft, bearing and cable entry.

How many kW is a 15 HP motor?

15 × 0.7457 ≈ 11.2 kW; in practice a 15 HP motor is supplied in the standard 11 kW rating.

For questions about dimensions or connection, contact us on +90 (542) 666 11 11, [email protected] or via our contact page. All 11 kW models are on the Buy Electric Motors Online page.