MOTOR WINDING INSULATION CLASS RATINGS

Insulation systems are rated by standard NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers

Association) classifications according to maximum allowable operating temperatures:

Allowable
Allowable
Temperature
Temperature
Maximum Operation Rise at full
Temperature Rise
Temperature Allowed load
Tolerance 1.15 service
1.0 service 1)
1) factor motor
Class factor motor

o o o o
C F C C

A 105 221 60 70

B 130 266 80 90

F 155 311 105 115

H 180 356 125 -

1)
Allowable temperature rises are based upon a reference ambient temperature of 40oC.
Operation temperature is reference temperature, plus allowable temperature rise, plus
allowance for "hot spot" winding.

Example Temperature Tolerance Class F:

40 oC + 105 oC + 10 oC

= 155 oC

In general a motor should not operate with temperatures above the maximum. Each 10 oC
rise above the rating may reduce the motor lifetime by one half.

Temperature Tolerance Class B is the most common insulation class used on most 60Hz
(USA motors) Temperature Tolerance Class F is the most common for international and 50
Hz motors.