E

EDDY CURRENT

Localized currents induced in an iron core by alternating magnetic flux.  These currents translate into losses (heat) and their minimization is an important factor in lamination design.

EFFICIENCY

The efficiency of a motor is the ratio of electrical input to mechanical output.  It represents the effectiveness with which the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.  NEMA has set up codes, which correlate to specific nominal efficiencies.  A decrease in losses (the elements keeping the motor from being 100% efficient) of 10% constitutes an upward improvement of the motor of one code on the NEMA table.  Each nominal efficiency has a corresponding minimum efficiency number.

ELECTRICAL DEGREE

A unit of measurement of time as applied to alternating current.  One complete cycle equals 360 electrical degrees.  One cycle in a rotating electrical machine is accomplished when the rotating field moves from one pole to the same polarity.  There are 360 electrical degrees in this time period.  Therefore, in a two-pole machine there are 360 degrees in one revolution, and the electrical and mechanical degrees are equal.  In a machine with more than two poles, the number of electrical degrees per revolution is obtained by multiplying the number of pairs of poles by 360.

ELECTRICAL UNBALANCE

In a three-phase supply, where the voltages of the three different phases are not exactly the same.  Measured as a percent of unbalance. 

ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (EMF)

A synonym for voltage, usually restricted to generated voltage.

ENCAPSULATED WINDING

A motor which has its winding structure completely coated with an insulating resin (such as epoxy).  This construction type is designed for exposure to more severe atmospheric conditions than the normal varnished winding.

ENCLOSURE

The housing or frame of the motor.

            ODG               Open Drip-Proof, Guarded

            ODG-FV         Open Drip-Proof, Force Ventilated

            ODG-SV         Open Drip-Proof, Separately Ventilated

            ODP                Open Drip-Proof

            HP                   Vertical P-Base, Normal Thrust

            LP                   Vertical P-Base, Medium Thrust, Extended Thrust

            Prot                 Protected

            TEAO             Totally-Enclosed, Air-Over

            TEBC              Totally-Enclosed, Blower-Cooled

            TECACA       Totally-Enclosed, Closed Circuit, Air to Air

            TEDC-A/A      Totally-Enclosed, Dual Cooled, Air to Air

            TEDC-Q/W    Totally-Enclosed, Dual Cooled, Air to Water

            TEFC              Totally-Enclosed, Fan-Cooled

            TENV             Totally-Enclosed, Non-Ventilated

            TETC              Totally-Enclosed, Tube Cooled

            TEWAC         Totally-Enclosed, Water/Air Cooled

            TEXP              Totally-Enclosed, Explosion-Proof

            IP-22               Open Drip-Proof (IEC Standard)

            IP-44               Totally-Enclosed (IEC Standard)

            IP-54               Splash Proof (IEC Standard)

            IP-55               Washdown (IEC Standard)

            WPI                 Weather Protected, Type I

            WPII               Weather Protected, Type II

ENDSHIELD

The part of the motor housing which supports the bearing and acts as a protective guard to the electrical and rotating parts inside the motor.  This part is frequently called the “end bracket” or “end bell”.

EXPLOSION-PROOF ENCLOSURE

A totally enclosed enclosure, which is constructed to withstand an explosion of a specified gas, vapor or dust which, may occur within it.  Should such an explosion occur, the enclosure would prevent the ignition or explosion of the gas or vapor which may surround the motor enclosure.  These motors are listed with Underwriter’s Laboratories.

EXPLOSION-PROOF-HAZAROUS LOCATIONS

DIVISION I – Locations in which ignitable concentrations of flammable or combustible material exist and come in contact with the motor.

DIVISION II – Locations in which ignitable concentrations of flammable or combustible material exist but are contained within closed systems or containers and normally would not come in contact with the motor.

EXPLOSION-PROOF-U.L. CLASSIFICATIONS

CLASS I – Those in which flammable gasses or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to product explosive or ignitable mixtures.

Group C – Atmospheres containing ethyl or ether vapors.

Group D – Atmospheres containing gasoline, hexane, benzine, butane, propane, alcohol, acetone, benzol, lacquer solvent vapors, natural gas, etc.

CLASS II – Those which are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust.

Group E – Atmospheres containing metal dust, including aluminum, magnesium, or their commercial alloys.

Group F – Atmospheres containing carbon black, charcoal, coal or coke dust.

Group G – Atmospheres containing flour, starch, grain or combustible plastics or chemical dusts.

EXTERNALLY VENTILATED

A motor using an external cooling system.  This is required in applications where the motors own fan will not provide sufficient cooling.  These cooling systems are used in certain duty cycle applications, with slow speed motors, or in environments with extreme dirt.  Often a duct with an external blower is used to bring clean air into the motor’s air-intake.

EYEBOLT

Device used for lifting the motor.