When replacing a 2.2 kW three-phase VOLT electric motor, the first value people look at is usually the power; yet this power comes in different frame and shaft sizes depending on the number of poles. This article explains how to confirm phase, voltage and speed from the nameplate of a 2.2 kW three-phase VOLT motor and how these three items steer the evaluation of a new motor.

Phase: the "3~" mark on the nameplate

In the three-phase nameplate example in the VOLT manual, the motor type is written as "3~ MOTOR". This mark shows that the motor was designed for a three-phase supply. Once you see it on the plate, it is enough to confirm at the panel that the line feeding the motor is indeed three-phase. This article covers three-phase 2.2 kW motors only.

Grey three-phase electric motor with DRG MOTOR logo; phase, voltage and speed check for a 2.2 kW replacement

Voltage: which winding connection to expect at 2.2 kW?

VOLT's three-phase motor technical catalogue gives voltage as pairs such as 230/400 V and 400/690 V. According to the manufacturer's operating manual, on a 400 V network 2- and 4-pole motors up to and including 3 kW, and 6-pole motors up to and including 2.2 kW, are designed for star connection. In the catalogue's IE3 electrical data tables, the 2.2 kW types V3EA 90 L2A, V3EA 100 L4A and V3EA 112 M6A also appear in the 230/400 V rows. Still, the final word belongs to the voltage pair and the Δ/Y symbol on your own plate: whether the motor suits the existing supply should be determined by checking the nameplate voltage and frequency, the manufacturer's tolerances and the connection arrangement together.

In the DRG MOTOR online store, models up to 3 kW are listed as 230/400 V and those of 4 kW and above as 400/690 V; any special voltage or different frequency requirement should be stated separately. The 380 V connection of the 2.2 kW models in the store is given as star. Whether the existing panel arrangement needs any change must be decided by competent technical personnel.

Speed: the number of poles defines frame and shaft

In a VOLT type code, the letter after V3E gives the frame material (A aluminium, G cast iron), and the number of poles is the digit right after the frame length letter. The IE3 aluminium-frame dimension table in the VOLT catalogue lists three rows for 2.2 kW:

VOLT type codePoles / speed classFrameShaft D×E (mm)
V3EA 90 L2A2 poles / 300090L24×50
V3EA 100 L4A4 poles / 1500100L28×60
V3EA 112 M6A6 poles / 1000112M28×60

As the table shows, all three motors have the same power; however, the 2-pole type is listed with a 90L frame and a 24 mm shaft, while the 4- and 6-pole types are listed in 100L and 112M frames with a 28 mm shaft. Searching for a new motor with only "2.2 kW" can therefore end with a shaft that does not fit the coupling or pulley bore and a different foot pattern. Always read the number of poles and the frame from the type code.

The 1/min value on the plate is the rated speed under load and is slightly below the speed class. In DRG data, for example, the rated speed of the 2.2 kW 2-pole model is 2895 rpm, the 4-pole 1450 rpm and the 6-pole 955 rpm. On speed-sensitive machines such as fans or pumps, the difference between the rated speeds of the old and new motor should also be considered.

If you share the nameplate photo and the name of the driven machine with DRG MOTOR, the pole and frame data can be read together to clarify which models are worth examining.

DRG models that can be evaluated for 2.2 kW

DRG Motor is a manufacturer, supplier and seller of electric motors. All three speed classes at 2.2 kW are in the online motor store, each listed with aluminium and cast iron frame options. The following aluminium-frame options can be compared once your nameplate data has been reviewed:

  • DRG-90L-2: 2 poles, 90L frame, rated 2895 rpm, shaft 24×50 mm, 4.35 A at 400 V
  • DRG-100L1-4: 4 poles, 100L frame, rated 1450 rpm, shaft 28×60 mm, 4.52 A at 400 V
  • DRG-112M-6: 6 poles, 112M frame, rated 955 rpm, shaft 28×60 mm, 5.09 A at 400 V

To compare mounting and foot dimensions, see the frame drawing on the DRG motor technical drawings page; for other aluminium-frame models, see Aluminum Housing Three Phase Induction Motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

My plate says 2.2 kW but the type code is unreadable. What should I do?

Measure and photograph the shaft diameter, the shaft height (floor to shaft centre) and the distances between the foot holes. These help estimate the frame, but the number of poles cannot be known reliably without the 1/min value or the type code.

Can a 4-pole 2.2 kW motor be used instead of a 2-pole one?

As a rule, speed drops to about half and the shaft and frame change; the machine's operation is directly affected. Such a change can only be discussed after the machine design and transmission have been reviewed by competent personnel.

The plate also shows 60 Hz values. Which should I use?

Since the Turkish network is 50 Hz, use the 50 Hz line. Power and speed on the 60 Hz line differ and would make the comparison misleading.

If a motor with the same frame is found, is the connection always the same?

No. Even with the same frame, the voltage pair, terminal box position, cable entry and protection setting must each be checked.

Information you should send to DRG MOTOR

  • Nameplate photo (type code, 3~ mark, voltage and 1/min line legible)
  • Current and frequency values from the plate
  • Shaft diameter and length, key width
  • Foot- or flange-mounted; if flanged, flange outer diameter and bolt circle
  • The driven machine and transmission (coupling, pulley, gearbox)
  • Daily operating hours and start/stop frequency
  • Ambient conditions (dust, humidity, temperature)

Send this list via the WhatsApp line, the quote list, +90 (542) 666 11 11 or info@drgmotor.com; DRG MOTOR will examine options that can be evaluated based on your motor's poles, frame and the operating conditions of your machine.

See current prices of DRG MOTOR electric motors and order online in our storeSEE PRICES →

Technical Sources

  • VOLT Elektrik Motorları — Product Technical Catalogue, Three-Phase Motors (Ürün Teknik Kataloğu, 3 Fazlı Motorlar) — REV 23.08 — IE3 electrical data tables (Tables 13–18; voltage, type code, power) — printed pages 14–16; IE3 aluminium frame B3 mechanical dimensions (shaft D×E, foot hole spacing) — printed page 17.
  • VOLT Elektrik Motor Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. — Volt Electric Motors Introduction and Operating Manual (Tanıtma ve Kullanma Kılavuzu) — 2015/001 edition — Section 3, Electric Motor Models (model coding system) — printed page 4; Section 8.3, Installation (star/delta connection) — printed page 9; Section 12, Motor Nameplates — printed pages 18–19.