Q: Which motors/gearmotors are reversible?

 A:All motors and gearmotors shown in this catalog are reversible. Some require a full stop before reversing.

Q: What is obtainable torque?

A: Obtainable torque is the maximum output torque for a gearmotor. Gearmotors may be operated at these levels only for brief periods due to thermal or mechanical limitations.

Q: Can continuous duty motors/gearmotors be used intermittently?

A: All rated torques shown in this catalog are for continuous operation. Continuous duty products can be used intermittently. Operation at loads higher than nameplate ratings is possible for short periods as long as there are rest periods for cooling. Loads higher than obtainable torque for gearmotors are never recommended. The temperature of the motor should be monitored during testing to make sure it is not overheating

Q: Where is the winding type shown?

A: The winding type is shown on the heading of each selection table for each product. It is also included in the Bodine Frame Type as a 2 letter code. On a motor, it is the last 2 characters. For example, Bodine Frame Type 42A5BEPM is a "PM" or Permanent Magnet. On a gearmotor, it is the 2 characters before the dash (-). For example, Bodine Frame Type 34R6BFCI-W2 is a "Cl" or Permanent Split Capacitor Motor. The Technical Discussions at the beginning of each section provide more information on the characteristics of the winding types in the section.

Q: Can Single speed motors and gearmotors ever be operated as adjustable speed?

A: Three phase (PP),3 phase synchronous (YP) and some Permanent Split Capacitor (Cl) designs may be operated as adjustable speed with suitable controllers. Bodine does not offer controllers for these motor types.

Q: Is an adjustable speed system ever appropriate for a single speed application?

A: Adjustable speed systems are sometimes appropriate for single speed applications. If the desired speed is not known or not offered in a single speed product, an adjustable speed system may be set to the desired speed. For a low volume requirement, this approach will normally be more cost effective than changing ratios or making up special gearing.

Q: What is a "Synchronous" motor?

A: A synchronous motor is an induction motor that operates directly from AC power and rotates at an exact multiple of the line frequency. Common synchronous induction motor speeds on 60 Hz are 1800 and 3600 RPM. HY-Sync™ motors are 72 RPM synchronous motors on 60 Hz.

Q: What is IP-44?

A: IP number is an international system for rating enclosures. An IP-44 rating is roughly equivalent to NEMA 12 for dust and water resistance.

Q: What is meant by the term self locking?

A: Self Locking refers to the tendency of some gearing to resist movement when the gearmotor is at rest and the load is attempting to move. An example is a load on a conveyer belt trying to drive the system backwards.

Q Which gearheads are self locking?

A: Parallel shaft gearheads and right angle gearheads with low ratios are generally not considered to be "Self Locking". Right angle gearheads with ratios greater than 20:1 are often considered to be "Self Locking". They will resist movement up to their torque rating. As the gearing nears the end of its useful life or if it is subjected to overload conditions, it may wear to the point where it is no longer "Self Locking". Self locking gearing is not a recommended method for preventing movement in applications where this movement may cause injury or damage. An external brake is recommended for those applications.

Q: Which products may be operated with the shaft vertical?

A: Motors without gearing and K-2 gearmotors may be operated in any position. Contact electrosales.com for gear mounting positions or call at (617) 666-0500.

Q: What will happen if a 60 Hz induction motor is operated on 50 Hz?

A: A motor designed for 60 Hz operation will run at 5/6 rated speed on 50 Hz. For example, a motor rated 1700 RPM on 60 Hz will run at 1400 RPM on 50 Hz. Bodine 60 Hz type Cl motors will run hotter on 50 Hz. The motor temperature should be monitored during testing to make sure it is not overheating. 60 Hz versions of Bodine type Sl motors should not be operated on 50 Hz. See page 30 for more information on Bodine AC products.

Q: Can more than one motor be operated from a single control?

A: Operation of more than one motor from a single control is not normally recommended. However, when cost is a primary concern, a multiple motor/single control system with either permanent magnet motors and control or 3 phase motors and control may be successfully implemented. More than one permanent magnet motor may be operated with a single permanent magnet control as long as the sum of the motor currents does not exceed the rated output current of the control. Comprehensive testing is recommended because this type of system may produce fluctuating or drifting speed output. More than one 3 phase motor may be operated with a single 3 phase control. Motor speeds should not fluctuate as long as the motors are not overloaded and the sum of the motor currents does not exceed the rated output current of the control.

Q: What is radial load?

A: Radial load is a force pushing or pulling the side of the output shaft. It as shown as Fr above. Exceeding the allowable radial load for a motor or gearmotor will cause premature wear of output shaft bearings and gearing and could cause the shaft to break. Fr may be the result of a weight on the shaft, belt tension or torque transmitted through a belt, chain, gear, or certain flexible couplings. A permissible radial load, Fr, is shown for each motor and gearmotor. In calculating these values, the following assumptions were made: 1. The radial load is in the worst case direction, i.e. pushing or pulling the shaft sideways. 2. The motor or gearmotor is delivering rated torque 3. The radial load was applied at distance "d" from the hub or mounting surface. Higher radial loads may be applied closer in on the shaft. Lower radial loads are permitted further out on the shaft. 4. Flexible couplings are often used to avoid radial load. Most flexible couplings are designed so that they do not transmit radial load, however this should be verified by the coupling manufacturer.

Q: What is axial load?

A: Axial load is a force on the output shaft into or out of the motor or gearmotor. Exceeding the allowable axial load for a motor or gearmotor will cause premature wear of output shaft bearings and gearing.