In an industrial setting, electric motors can be the best means to power anything from fans to conveyor belts. If you're opening a new facility or need to replace an old motor, you can find an electric motor manufacturer selling their products online. Purchase new or used electric motors or buy electric motor parts from an online distributor.
The electric motor industry manufactures machines for any application necessary. General purpose industrial electric motors are sold by plenty of dealers online, but if you're looking for a motor that can withstand high voltage spikes created by variable frequency drives, consider purchasing an inverter-duty motor. This type of industrial electric motor costs more, but is more reliable if you expect to experience voltage spikes.
When buying electric motors here are some options to keep in mind that may help you choose the best product:
1. Look for an electric motor manufacturer that builds custom machines to fit your personal requirements.
2. Stay aware of how a motor is performing. Buy an electric motor that gives you realtime motor feedback.
3. Buy electric motor parts or used motors to save money or perform repairs to a malfunctioning model
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Buy industrial inverter-duty electric motors
They may cost more than a standard general purpose motor, but inverter-duty motors can also withstand high voltage spikes that standard electric motors cannot. The inverter-duty motor is a newer concept in the electric motor industry, and though the general purpose motor remains the standard option, an inverter-duty may be just the motor you need to keep your machinery running.
I recommend: Bodine Electric sells a full line of their Pacesetter inverter-duty motors on their website.
Browse their selection of AC, parallel shaft AC, and right angle AC motors.
Automation Direct also sells a number of inverter-duty motors. If you're unsure whether you need an inverter-duty or general purpose motor, see their guide on choosing an AC motor.
Search for the electric motor you need by exact specification
If you know the product number of the motor you're looking for, or the specifications of the product you need, use the Internet to find an electric motor distributor that sells the exact motor you require
I recommend: Search by electric motor specification on
GlobalSpec.com to receive a list of suppliers that carry the product you're searching for.
Receive feedback on the performance of your electric motor
If you want to know how your motor is performing, set up an encoder on your motor to measure its effectiveness.
I recommend: Encoder Products creates and sells
custom encoders that use sensing technologies to give feedback on motor performance for a variety of electrical motor applications. If you're not sure whether an encoder would be useful, see their page detailing
typical usage.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- When buying a new electric motor, always get a warranty to ensure that you'll have a working product for years to come. If possible, buy from local suppliers who can perform immediate maintenance on your motor model should it stop functioning and you're unable to fix it yourself.
The official source of Electric Motors is the Electric Motors page at Business.com