Power & Speed Options

Power & Speed Options

The two most critical parameters for choosing an electric motor correctly are power (kW or HP) and speed (rpm). The torque and speed required by the application are defined by these two values. In this category we have grouped motors by power and speed, so you can easily find a model that exactly matches your need, such as a 110 kw electric motor or a 1500 rpm motor.

What Is Power (kW / HP)?

Motor power determines the work it can do and is expressed in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP) (1 HP ≈ 0.746 kW). The DRG Motor range spans from small powers such as 0.18 kW up to high powers of 355 kW and above. Correct power selection prevents both strain from insufficient power and wasted energy from oversizing.

What Is Speed (rpm)?

• 3000 rpm (2-pole): high speed; pump and compressor applications.
• 1500 rpm (4-pole): the most common speed; general-purpose applications.
• 1000 rpm (6-pole): higher torque, lower speed.
• 750 rpm (8-pole): heavy applications requiring high torque.

Choose the Right Combination

Power and speed must be considered together; different speeds at the same power produce different torque. For efficient choices see high efficiency motors, and for motor type the asynchronous AC motors page. Energy savings can also be achieved by controlling speed with a variable frequency drive (inverter). For all power and speed options and prices, explore the DRG Motor range.

Torque and Application

At the same power, lower-speed motors produce higher torque; therefore 1000 or 750 rpm are preferred for heavy-load applications and 3000 rpm for speed-priority ones. The right power-speed combination benefits both energy efficiency and equipment life.

How do I convert kW to HP? 1 HP is about 0.746 kW; multiplying the kW value by roughly 1.36 gives the approximate horsepower.