If you are considering renewing a V3E series three-phase VOLT electric motor in your plant, the evaluation starts properly only once you have decoded the motor's type code. This article explains, step by step, what information the V3E code carries, how it is used to evaluate a DRG MOTOR option and which data to collect before deciding.

Grey three-phase electric motor with DRG MOTOR logo; option evaluated when renewing a V3E three-phase motor

What does the V3E code tell you?

In the coding system of the VOLT manual, three-phase motors are separated by the prefixes V1E, V2E, V3E and V4E; V3E denotes the three-phase IE3 series. After the prefix come frame material, frame size, frame length, number of poles, core length and mounting. For example, V3EA 132 M4A reads as:

  • V3E: 3-phase, IE3 series
  • A: aluminium frame (G would mean cast iron)
  • 132 M: frame 132, length M
  • 4: 4 poles, i.e. the 1500 speed class
  • A: core length (A short, B medium, C long, D compact)

A mounting suffix such as B3, B5, B14, B35 or B34 may follow at the end. If your nameplate shows IE3 and an efficiency value, pass them on as written; they help identify the motor.

How does the V3EA vs V3EG difference affect replacement?

In VOLT's three-phase motor technical catalogue (REV 23.08), the aluminium-frame V3EA types are listed in the IE3 tables from 0.75 to 37 kW in frames 80–200, while the cast iron V3EG types appear from frame 132 upwards. Because the same power can exist in both aluminium and cast iron types in frames 160–200, the 22 kW 4-pole motor, for example, appears in the catalogue both as V3EA 180 L4A and as V3EG 180 L4A. Frame material affects weight, base and fixing bolts and sometimes the choice for given ambient conditions. Confirm whether your motor is A or G from that letter in the code.

The IE3 electrical data tables of the catalogue give the voltage column as follows: for 2- and 4-pole V3EA types, frames 80–100 are 230/400 V and frame 112 and above 400/690 V; for 6-pole V3EA types, frames 90–112 are 230/400 V and frame 132 and above 400/690 V; the V3EG cast iron tables are 400/690 V. This applies to the IE3 types in the catalogue; for your own motor, check the voltage and connection data on the nameplate and the manufacturer's documentation.

In which steps is a DRG MOTOR option evaluated?

Evaluation means comparing the nameplate and dimensional data of your motor with those of the DRG model, item by item. The same kW and the same number of poles are only the starting point; in the VOLT catalogue, for example, the 7.5 kW 4-pole motor is in frame 132M while the 7.5 kW 2-pole motor is in frame 132S, and in the catalogue's B3 dimension table the axial foot hole spacing (B) is 178 mm for one and 140 mm for the other. The usual order is:

  1. Electrical data: kW, voltage pair, frequency, current and rated speed on the plate.
  2. Mechanical dimensions: shaft diameter×length, key, shaft height, foot hole spacing; flange dimensions for flange motors.
  3. Connection and protection: terminal box position, cable entry, starting method; if changes are needed, assessment by competent technical personnel.
  4. Operating conditions: load type, starting duty, start/stop frequency, inverter use and environment.

The data for the first two steps can be gathered with a nameplate photo and a few measurements. When you send them to DRG MOTOR, the comparison is carried out directly on your motor's data.

Sample DRG models for comparison

DRG Motor is a manufacturer, supplier and seller of electric motors. The DRG online store consists of three-phase asynchronous motors with aluminium (0.25–11 kW) and cast iron (0.55–355 kW) frames. The DRG models below have the same power, frame size and shaft size as some 4-pole V3E types in the VOLT catalogue; they are among the models whose dimensions can be compared:

  • DRG-132S-4 – aluminium, 5.5 kW, rated 1460 rpm, shaft 38×80 mm; the catalogue lists V3EA 132 S4A and V3EG 132 S4A at the same power and frame
  • DRG-132M-4 – cast iron, 7.5 kW, rated 1460 rpm, shaft 38×80 mm; the catalogue lists V3EA 132 M4A and V3EG 132 M4A at the same power and frame
  • DRG-180L-4 – cast iron, 22 kW, rated 1470 rpm, shaft 48×110 mm; the catalogue lists V3EA 180 L4A and V3EG 180 L4A at the same power and frame

A matching frame size and shaft size do not show that foot spacing, flange, terminal box and overall length also match; these must be checked separately using the DRG technical drawings. For other powers, see Three-Phase Asynchronous Electric Motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

My plate says V1E or V2E rather than V3E. Does this article apply?

The code is read the same way; only the prefix indicates a different efficiency series. Frame, pole and dimensional comparison is done identically, but for older series do not assume the dimensions match the current catalogue; measure them on the motor.

Why does the core length letter (A, B, C) matter?

Different powers in the same frame are separated by core length, and overall motor length may change. In a tight installation the length difference can be decisive, so the core length letter should also be sent.

My motor runs on an inverter. Is the evaluation different?

Yes, the inverter type, operating frequency range and time spent at low speed must be reviewed separately. Without this information, it cannot be said whether an option is suitable.

What to send DRG MOTOR for the evaluation

  • Nameplate photo and the full V3E type code (including material letter, frame, poles, core length and mounting suffix)
  • kW, voltage pair, frequency, current and rated speed from the plate
  • Shaft diameter×length, key width and shaft height
  • Foot hole spacing; if flanged, flange outer diameter, bolt circle and spigot diameter
  • Terminal box position and starting method
  • The driven machine, starting conditions and whether an inverter is used
  • Ambient temperature, dust and humidity

Send the information you have prepared to DRG MOTOR via WhatsApp, the quote list, +90 (542) 666 11 11 or info@drgmotor.com, so that your V3E motor's data can be compared step by step with DRG models to identify options that can be evaluated.

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; IE3 cast iron B3 mechanical dimensions — printed page 22.
  • 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.