This article takes an in depth look at fractional horsepower motors.
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A fractional horsepower motor is a motor type that operates using either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) and provides less than one horsepower, with a peak power capacity of 746 watts. These motors are ideal for compact electronic devices and simple consumer products due to their lower power output. Even in larger systems like vehicles, they can continue operating when the primary power supply is interrupted.
Fractional horsepower motors have numerous applications. Their minimal vibration makes them suitable for equipment demanding high precision. Among the types of fractional horsepower motors are stepper and servo motors, both providing a high degree of input accuracy. They are particularly popular in robotics due to their precision and ease of control.
Though fractional horsepower motors are very small in size, they possess the same foundational design principles and core performance features as larger electric motors. These compact electrical machines are widely used across a variety of industries because they can be easily integrated into almost any device with limited space and specific torque or speed requirements. Much like their larger counterparts, fractional horsepower motors rely on electromagnetic fields to efficiently convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, providing reliable rotation and motion control for countless applications.
Fractional horsepower motors are generally categorized based on the type of current they use (AC or DC), the method of current application, their mechanical construction, and their intended use. They are manufactured in an extensive array of frame sizes, power ratings, voltage options, and configurations, ranging from open to fully enclosed designs. This wide selection enhances their adaptability and makes them an essential component in products such as household appliances, HVAC systems, medical devices, pumps, fans, robotics, office equipment, and other compact machinery that demands reliable, efficient motion at a lower power output.
When selecting a fractional horsepower motor, it is important to consider application-specific factors such as efficiency requirements, starting and running torque, duty cycle, mounting options, speed control capabilities, and noise level. Evaluating these criteria helps match the motor type to the device’s unique operating conditions, maximizing lifespan and ensuring optimal performance.
Brushed series motors were the first electric motors and date back to the middle of the first industrial revolution. Though brushless motors have replaced them in many modern applications, brush motors are still found in select uses where simple speed control and cost-effectiveness are beneficial. The modern brush motor has key parts such as an axle, rotor, commutator, stator, permanent magnets, and carbon brushes.
In a brushed motor, permanent magnets are positioned on the outer part, while the armature, which rotates within, is located on the inside. The permanent magnets serve as the stator, and the rotating armature serves as the rotor. The armature contains an electromagnet that, when energized, generates a magnetic field interacting with the stator magnets. This interaction causes the armature to rotate through 180°.
To maintain the armature's rotation, the electromagnet's poles need to be alternated. This is managed by brushes that adjust the polarity and supply power to the commutator, which in turn energizes the windings. The brushes make direct electrical contact with the rotating armature electrodes, thereby reversing the magnetic polarity. Brushed fractional horsepower motors are often found in applications like power tools, household appliances, and automotive systems that require variable speed and moderate torque output.
A brushless motor is a type of synchronous electric motor that employs a step motor controller to generate rotation, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Unlike brushed motors, brushless motors do not use a commutator, which is a key distinction between the two types and makes them preferred for efficient, low-maintenance operation.
In a brushless motor, the windings are positioned on the stator, which eliminates the need for brushes and reduces electrical noise. This contrasts with brushed motors, where the magnets are stationary and the wires rotate. The absence of brushes and a commutator reduces friction, lowers the motor's heat output, and enhances overall efficiency and reliability. Compared to brushed DC motors, brushless DC (BLDC) motors offer higher speed ranges, better power density, precise speed control, and longer service life, making them ideal for demanding industrial automation, consumer electronics, computer cooling fans, and medical equipment applications.
A permanent split capacitor (PSC) fractional horsepower motor features a cage rotor and two windings: a main winding and an auxiliary winding, similar to a split phase motor. It includes a capacitor connected in series with the starting winding, while another capacitor, "C", remains permanently connected to the circuit, serving both starting and running conditions. This setup allows the motor to function as a balanced two-phase motor, providing smooth torque and quiet operation. The permanent capacitor splits the single-phase input into a two-phase supply, enabling the motor to start on its own. PSC motors are widely used in HVAC fans, blowers, and pumps because of their reliability and quiet operation.
A reluctance motor operates similarly to a single-phase induction motor, featuring end rings at both ends. As with other electric motors, the core components of a reluctance fractional horsepower motor include the stator and rotor, which are separated by an air gap. The motor functions by aligning the rotor's speed with the stator's rotating magnetic field, achieving precise and synchronous operation.
The distinctive design of a reluctance fractional horsepower motor allows it to provide high power density at a minimal cost. The motor operates on the principle that magnetic materials align more easily within a magnetic field, reducing reluctance and optimizing performance. These motors are valued in applications such as timing devices, instrumentation, and low-voltage control systems, where accuracy and efficiency are critical.
One notable characteristic of a series fractional horsepower motor is its capability to generate high starting torque, making it highly effective for applications with high initial load requirements. This is due to its unique construction, where the motor winding is connected in series with the armature winding, setting it apart from other electric motor designs. The armature and field windings use large conductors that offer minimal resistance to current flow. Because of their size, these conductors can handle a significant amount of current, saturating the coils and creating a powerful magnetic field.
Series wound motors are ideal for devices that demand short bursts of high power at startup, such as vacuum cleaners, small electric tools, and portable appliances. Their ability to deliver strong torque at low speeds makes them a popular choice among fractional horsepower DC and universal motors.
A servo motor is a type of rotary motor designed for precise control over angular position, acceleration, and velocity. These motors are commonly used in closed-loop control systems, such as in robotics, automation, and CNC machines. Servo motors play an essential role in mechatronic systems, where feedback mechanisms enable them to regulate rotational speed, motion, and positioning with exceptional accuracy.
The positioning of the shaft is determined by a control signal input. If the actual position deviates from the specified requirements, the controller makes adjustments to correct it through continuous feedback. Due to their compact size, lightweight design, and ability to deliver accurate performance, fractional horsepower servo motors are widely used in precise industrial devices, medical instrumentation, cameras, and aerospace applications. Their sophisticated control makes them a preferred choice for programmable motion and automated positioning systems.
A shaded-pole motor is the simplest of AC motors and consists of a rotor assembly and stator pole. Aside from the rotor and pole, shaded-pole motors have windings that are shaded and unshaded. The shaded portion of the motor’s winding is a copper ring, which acts as its secondary winding. The unshaded winding creates a lower strength magnetic field. The magnetic flux created by the interaction of the windings increases the torque after it has started. Shaded-pole motors move in one direction and are found in washing machines, small fans, bathroom exhaust systems, and desk appliances where low cost and simple design are required. Due to their economical construction and maintenance-free operation, shaded-pole fractional horsepower motors are commonly selected for low-torque, continuous-duty applications in home appliances and office equipment.
A split phase fractional horsepower motor features a single cage rotor and a stator equipped with two windings: the main winding and the starting winding. These windings are spaced 90° apart. The main winding has low resistance and high inductive reactance, while the starting winding exhibits high resistance and low inductive reactance.
An external resistor is placed in series with the starting winding, creating an imbalance in current between the windings and resulting in a non-uniform rotating field. This setup provides a starting torque that is 1.5 to 2 times greater than the running torque. Once the motor reaches its synchronous speed, the starting winding is automatically disconnected from the circuit. Split phase motors are economical and used in light-duty applications, including small pumps, blowers, washers, and other devices where moderate starting torque is sufficient.
A stepper fractional horsepower motor is a DC motor that moves in steps and has multiple coils organized in phases. When the phases are energized in sequence, the motor rotates in predefined angular increments, which enables digital control and precision positioning. These features make stepper motors a popular choice for automation equipment, 3D printers, robotics, CNC machines, and precision medical devices. Stepper motors excel where repeatability and high-resolution motion are required.
In a synchronous fractional horsepower motor, the rotation of the shaft is precisely governed by the frequency of the applied current. The total number of rotations the shaft makes is equal to the number of AC cycles, enabling exact speed regulation—a critical benefit for timing and instrumentation uses. A synchronous motor has multiple phases of AC electromagnets on the stator that produce a rotating magnetic field, and a permanent magnet or rotor winding is synced with the rotating magnetic field.
Synchronous fractional horsepower motors are frequently found in applications that require constant speed regardless of load, such as timing devices, clocks, tape recorders, process controls, and test equipment. Their high efficiency and precision add value in both commercial and industrial automation environments.
When evaluating different types of fractional horsepower motors for your project, it's important to carefully review the technical specifications of each motor variant. Key factors to consider include motor voltage (AC or DC), horsepower rating, torque curve, rotational speed (RPM), duty cycle, insulation class, and mounting configuration. Understanding these technical aspects helps ensure you select the most efficient and cost-effective motor for your needs.
Additionally, assess environmental factors such as operating temperature, exposure to dust or moisture, and noise emissions—especially if your application is in sensitive environments like medical devices or office equipment. Look for compliance with industry certifications and performance standards, particularly if the motor will be used in regulated industries.
Reputable fractional horsepower motor manufacturers and suppliers offer customization options, such as specialty shaft designs, speed control modules, gearboxes, or integrated drive electronics. Engaging with experienced suppliers can help you optimize your product's performance, reduce energy consumption, and streamline the installation process. To learn more about sourcing high-quality fractional horsepower electric motors, consult the leading manufacturers and distributors listed above or visit our comprehensive Fractional Horsepower Motor Resource Center.
Fractional horsepower motors serve versatile roles across a variety of applications, especially where compact size and high performance are required. They are commonly used in direct current (DC) configurations for tasks that demand precision and automation.
Designing a fractional horsepower motor involves evaluating several key factors, with torque and speed being paramount. Additionally, the choice between a brushed or brushless motor must be considered based on the specific needs of the application.
Fractional horsepower motors are characterized by their output power of 746 watts or less and frame sizes under 104 mm². Their typical power ranges vary: AC motors generally offer from 1/20th hp to 1 hp, DC motors range from 1/100th hp to 1/2 hp, brushless motors span from 1/35th hp to 1/2 hp, and universal motors cover from 1/100th hp to 2 1/2 hp. Smaller variants are classified as sub-fractional or micro motors.
Micro motors are extremely compact and lightweight, optimized for low power consumption and minimal electromagnetic interference. They are designed for use in confined and intricate spaces with limited power availability. Both brushed and brushless micro motors are available, each offering distinct benefits for specific use cases.
Fractional horsepower motors can be powered by either AC or DC sources. AC motors may be single-phase or three-phase, with most being single-phase types, such as shaded pole or split-phase motors. Single-phase motors operate on a pulsating current, requiring additional current to initiate movement. While they are generally less efficient than three-phase AC motors, they tend to have a longer lifespan and require minimal maintenance.
DC motors come in two main types: brushed and brushless. Brushless DC motors are synchronous and utilize a closed-loop controller to manage the switching of DC currents.
Three key factors determine the power of a fractional horsepower motor: horsepower, torque, and speed. Horsepower measures the motor's overall work output, while torque represents the angular force the motor can exert. Speed refers to how quickly the motor rotates.
Horsepower is directly related to the product of speed and torque. It's crucial for the motor's power to align with the workload it will handle. Although it might seem intuitive to choose a more powerful motor, optimal efficiency is achieved by matching the motor's horsepower to the specific demands of the workload.
The following formula calculates horsepower. The constant 5252 converts James Watt's original unit of 33,000 foot-pounds per minute into Newton meters per second.
Horsepower (HP) = (Torque × Speed)/5252
Enclosures serve to house the internal components of a motor and shield the mechanism from damage. They come in various materials, including plastic, aluminum, and steel. There are ten different classes of fractional horsepower motor enclosures, each designed for specific conditions: Open Drip Proof (ODP), Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC), Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO), Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV), Totally Enclosed Force Ventilated (TEFV), Weather Proof Level 1 (WP1), Weather Proof Level 2 (WP2), Totally Enclosed Air to Air Cooled (TEAAC), Totally Enclosed Water to Air Cooled (TEWAC), and Explosion Proof (XP).
Bearings are crucial components in electric motors, serving to minimize friction and wear. They enable shafts to rotate efficiently at high speeds by converting sliding motion into rolling motion, thereby reducing power loss. The two most prevalent types of bearings are ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings.
Ball bearings achieve rolling motion through balls situated within a race or cage. They are designed for high-speed operations and low friction, and are suitable for handling light to medium loads. In electric motors, ball bearings are typically used in direct-coupled applications to manage both radial and axial loads.
Cylindrical roller bearings are engineered to support heavy loads at very high speeds. They are housed in a cage that keeps the rollers separated, reducing friction. Their superior performance is attributed to the increased contact surface area provided by the cylindrical rollers.
Fractional horsepower motors are utilized in applications where precision and accuracy are paramount. Despite their small size, these motors are equipped with highly efficient gear systems that can handle a wide array of tasks with exceptional consistency. They are intricately designed, requiring a high level of skill and expertise.
Fractional horsepower motors have a vast range of applications, from dispensing medication to operating door mechanisms. Their versatility and various designs make them adaptable to numerous conditions and purposes.
Fan motors are typically straightforward in design and can be either synchronous or asynchronous. They come in various sizes and types to suit different applications. To adjust the fan's speed, a frequency inverter is used to modify the frequency. Most fan motors run on direct current (DC).
Fractional horsepower motors are employed in computers to drive the hard disk, enabling it to spin and access stored data. Additionally, a fan, which is crucial for cooling the computer's components during operation, also relies on these small, compact motors. Despite their size, these motors are highly precise and dependable, fitting seamlessly within the computer's casing.
Air conditioners utilize various fractional horsepower motors, including those for the blower and the compressor. The compressor regulates the refrigerant lines, which are central to the air conditioning system. Additionally, the fan circulates air over the condenser unit to enhance the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.
A windshield wiper fractional horsepower motor is a compact tube motor attached to the wiper arm. A linkage system connects the motor to the wiper arms, while the wiper arm links the motor to the wiper blade. When the car's switch is turned on, a fuse sends a signal to the wiper motor, which includes information on the desired speed for the wiper arm's movement.
Fractional horsepower motors are used to adjust the position of car seats for both drivers and passengers. By pressing the buttons on the side of the seat, these motors control movements such as moving the seat forward or backward, raising or lowering it, adjusting the headrest, and tilting the seat. Relays activate the motors based on the signals received from the seat switches.
The two types of fractional horsepower motors used in the manufacture and production of robots are DC motors and servo motors. Stepper motors are also used for specialty robotic functions. The many types of motors used in robotics control motion, including vertical, radial, rotational, pitch, roll, yaw, and movement motions.
Fractional horsepower motors are well-suited for robotics because of their compact size and precise control. Their diverse range allows for selecting a motor that matches specific robotic functions, movements, and operational conditions.
The six applications mentioned are just a small fraction of the many ways fractional horsepower motors are used. Whenever a compact motor is needed, it's highly likely that a fractional horsepower motor is the solution.
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