No, it cannot. A submersible pump motor is a special motor slim enough to fit inside the well casing, filled with water or oil and cooled by the water flowing around it. The air-cooled, IP55-protected IEC motors in DRG's range are not built to operate under water, and submersible borehole motors are not part of DRG's standard range.

DRG-180L-4 22 kW 1500 rpm cast iron frame DRG three-phase motor – submersible pump motor

Why can a standard motor not go down a well?

  • Sealing: IP55 protects against water jets, not against immersion or the pressure at the bottom of a well.
  • Cooling: A self-ventilated (IC411) motor is cooled by air passing over its frame; a fan cannot work under water.
  • Size: Borehole motors are made slim and long to suit the well diameter; IEC frame motors do not fit in this casing.
  • Axial load: The bearing arrangement that carries the axial thrust generated by a submersible pump is specific to borehole motors.

What can be done in this case?

Sourcing a borehole motor

If the motor of an existing submersible pump has failed, the solution is to contact a borehole motor manufacturer or supplier for a submersible motor that suits the well diameter, the pump connection standard and the power. Rewinding is also among the options.

Surface pump arrangement

If the water level is close to the surface (shallow well, tank, channel, pond), a surface pump with the motor above ground can be used. Suction lift is limited by atmospheric pressure and, in practice, stays well below the theoretical value depending on the pump's suction characteristics; this route cannot be used for deep wells. Suitability should be checked against the pump manufacturer's suction data.

Vertical line-shaft deep well pumps

There are also arrangements with the motor above ground and the pump inside the well; these mostly require special vertical motors. Whether a standard motor is suitable for such a system must be assessed separately with the pump designer.

Motor selection for surface pump applications is described on the irrigation pump motor and pump motors pages. If a surface pump arrangement suits you, you can browse three-phase motor models in the shop.