DRG Motor offers four cast iron three-phase models in the 180 frame: in 180M a 22 kW 2-pole and an 18.5 kW 4-pole, in 180L a 22 kW 4-pole and a 15 kW 6-pole. All four share a 180 mm shaft height, a 48×110 mm shaft and the same B5 flange (P 350 / N 250 / M 300 mm); what separates 180M from 180L is the lengthwise foot hole spacing B (241 / 279 mm) and the overall length L (688 / 726 mm).

Grey DRG three-phase electric motor — article on 180M and 180L frame models

The product pages and current prices of all four models are in the DRG online store; the full range is on the three-phase asynchronous electric motors page. If you are searching by power for a flanged 22 kW motor, the 22 kW flange motor article covers that view. This article looks from the frame side: which models exist in frame 180, what the letters M and L change, and which one fits in place of an old motor.

DRG models in frame 180

In the DRG range the 180 frame comes in two lengths and three speed classes. The 3000 rpm class exists only in 180M and the 1000 rpm class only in 180L; the 1500 rpm class is available in both. There is no DRG "180L 2-pole" or "180M 6-pole" model.

ModelPowerSpeed classFrame
DRG-180M-222 kW (30 HP)3000 rpm (2 pole)180M, cast iron
DRG-180M-418.5 kW (25 HP)1500 rpm (4 pole)180M, cast iron
DRG-180L-422 kW (30 HP)1500 rpm (4 pole)180L, cast iron
DRG-180L-615 kW (20 HP)1000 rpm (6 pole)180L, cast iron

The speed class is the synchronous speed; under load the motor turns at its rated (nameplate) speed. The next table gives rated speed, rated current at 400 V and rated torque from the product records:

ModelRated speedCurrent (400 V)Torque
DRG-180M-22955 rpm38.5 A71.1 Nm
DRG-180M-41470 rpm33.5 A120.2 Nm
DRG-180L-41470 rpm39.7 A142.9 Nm
DRG-180L-6978 rpm29.3 A146.5 Nm

What do the letters M and L change?

The number 180 is the height from the foot base to the shaft axis (H = 180 mm). The letter after it describes how far apart the foot holes are along the motor. DRG 180M models have B = 241 mm, 180L models B = 279 mm, a difference of 38 mm. The overall length grows by exactly 38 mm too (688 → 726 mm), and so does the flanged body length LB (578 → 616 mm). All of the extra length sits in the body section between the feet.

Across the section nothing changes: the transverse foot spacing A 279 mm, housing diameter AC 355 mm, terminal box height AD 267 mm and the foot holes 4–Φ14.5 mm are the same in both lengths. That is why 180M and 180L are easy to confuse by eye; the quickest way to tell them apart is the nameplate or a tape measure between the foot holes.

Click to see current electric motor prices and order nowSEE PRICES →

Foot (B3) dimensions: 180M and 180L side by side

Dimension180M (mm)180L (mm)What it tells you
H180180Shaft height (foot base to shaft axis)
A279279Foot hole spacing, across
B241279Foot hole spacing, lengthwise — the M/L difference
C121121Shaft shoulder to nearest foot hole
K4–Φ14.54–Φ14.5Number and diameter of foot holes
AC355355Housing outer diameter
AD267267Shaft axis to top of terminal box
L688726Overall length (shaft end included)

Dimensions are in mm, taken from DRG product records. When placing the motor on an existing base, check A and B first, then C to see whether the shaft end lines up with the coupling. For drawings see 2D technical drawings and the DRG catalogue.

Same power, different frame: 22 kW and the torque gap

The most frequent mix-up in frame 180 happens at 22 kW. DRG-180M-2 and DRG-180L-4 have the same power and similar currents (38.5 A and 39.7 A), yet one is a 180M, the other a 180L, and their torque differs by a factor of two. Rated torque follows T = 9550 × P / n:

  • DRG-180M-2: 9550 × 22 / 2955 ≈ 71.1 Nm
  • DRG-180L-4: 9550 × 22 / 1470 ≈ 142.9 Nm
  • DRG-180L-6: 9550 × 15 / 978 ≈ 146.5 Nm

The last line is worth noting: the 6-pole 15 kW motor delivers slightly more shaft torque than the 4-pole 22 kW one, because it turns slower. Select by the speed and torque the machine needs, not by the kW on the plate. Replacing a 2-pole motor with a 4-pole one "because it has the same kW" halves the speed of the driven machine.

The second trap appears when upgrading power: going from 18.5 kW to 22 kW at 4 poles moves you from 180M to 180L. The shaft (48×110 mm) and B5 flange dimensions stay the same, but on a foot-mounted installation the rear foot holes move 38 mm and the motor gets 38 mm longer. For flanged dimensions at these powers, see the 18.5 kW and 15 kW flange motor articles.

Shaft and B5 flange dimensions

The DRG catalogue lists separate B5 rows for 180M and 180L, but the shaft and flange values are identical in both; only L (688 / 726 mm) and LB (578 / 616 mm) differ. All four 180 frame models carry the same shaft. In some larger frames the shaft changes with the number of poles, so this is specific to frame 180 (other frames: motor shaft diameter by kW table).

DimensionValueMeaning
D × E48 × 110 mmShaft diameter × shaft length
F14 mmKey width
G42.5 mmShaft keyway depth dimension
DHM16×36Thread in the shaft end
P350 mmFlange outer diameter
N250 mmSpigot (pilot) diameter
M300 mmBolt circle diameter
S18.5 mmFlange hole diameter
T5 mmSpigot depth
LA15 mmFlange thickness

When matching a flange, check P, N, M and S separately: the outer diameter can look the same while the spigot or bolt circle differs. Values for other frames are in the B5 motor flange dimensions table, hole types in the FF and FT difference article. The DRG catalogue has no B14 small flange table; if you need B14 or B34 on a 180 frame, send us the flange outer diameter, bolt circle, spigot diameter and thread size on WhatsApp and we will confirm.

If the motor goes onto a gearbox input, the frame code alone is not enough. The gearbox input flange dimensions (P, N, M, S), whether its input bore takes a 48 mm shaft with a 14 mm key, the ratio and the permitted load must be compared with the gearbox maker's data. More in choosing a flange motor for a gearbox.

Electrical connection, bearing and cable entry

Like every DRG motor above 4 kW, the four 180 frame models are wound for 400/690 V (Δ/Y): on a 400 V supply they are connected in delta (Δ). All are IP55, insulation class F, cooling IC411. Product records list the bearing as 6311-C3 and the cable entry as 2 × M40×1.5. DRG Motor is a manufacturer, supplier and seller of electric motors.

Currents of 38.5–39.7 A drive cable and protection sizing. Use the motor cable size calculator, compare with other powers in the motor current chart, and convert speed, torque and power with the electric motor calculator.

Checklist when replacing an old motor with a 180 frame

  • Frame code on the nameplate: 180M or 180L? If unreadable, measure the foot holes lengthwise (241 mm → 180M, 279 mm → 180L).
  • Poles and rated speed: 2-pole only in 180M, 6-pole only in 180L.
  • Mounting: foot B3, flange B5 or foot + flange B35.
  • Shaft: 48×110 mm, key 14 mm; compare with the coupling or pulley bore.
  • If flanged, verify P 350, N 250, M 300, S 18.5 mm one by one.
  • Length: in a tight space compare L (688 / 726 mm) with the free room around the motor.
  • Voltage: 400/690 V (Δ/Y); check it against the connection used in your panel.

How to take the measurements is explained in the frame size order guide and mounting codes in the mounting types article. If in doubt, send a nameplate photo and the shaft/flange size and we will pick the right 180 frame model together.

Send a photo of your current motor nameplate and we will find the suitable DRG model together.Send on WhatsApp

Browse the 180M and 180L frame motors and their current pricesSEE PRICES

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a 180L motor in place of a 180M?

On a flange (B5) connection the shaft and flange dimensions are the same; you only need to check room for the extra 38 mm of length. On a foot mounting the rear foot holes fall 38 mm apart from the old ones, so the base needs new holes or a suitable adapter plate.

Do the 180M 2-pole and 180L 4-pole use the same shaft?

Yes. DRG product records give a 48×110 mm shaft and a 14 mm key for both. The 4-pole model transmits about twice the torque, though, so assess the coupling and key load accordingly.

Is there a 1000 rpm motor in frame 180?

In the DRG range the only 1000 rpm class model in frame 180 is DRG-180L-6: 15 kW, rated speed 978 rpm. There is no 6-pole model in 180M.

What is the B14 flange size of frame 180?

The DRG catalogue has no B14 small flange table, so we do not quote one. Send the flange outer diameter, bolt circle, spigot diameter and thread size of the equipment you are connecting and we will confirm suitability. B5 values are in the table above.

Electric Motors Related to This Topic — Models and Current Prices

Suitability is not decided by power alone: compare the speed, voltage, mounting, shaft and fixing dimensions of your machine with the product data; if unsure, send us the nameplate of your current motor.

ALL MODELS AND DETAILS IN THE ONLINE SHOP →