5 Tips for Choosing the Right Geared Motor

Each has its own unique requirements that need to be met to ensure the perfect drive solution across a range of applications and when it comes to selecting geared electric motors, there are certain things you can specify to tailor them exactly to your specification.

As the UK's largest manufacturer of fractional horsepower electric motors, we serve manufacturers operating in pretty much every industry. Each has its own unique requirements that need to be met to ensure the perfect drive solution across a range of applications and when it comes to selecting geared electric motors, there are certain things you can specify to tailor them exactly to your specification. Our helpful tips below will help you narrow down the search for your perfect geared motor.


1. How much torque is required?
If your application requires a gear motor to do a lot of work - for example, materials handling equipment, stair lifts or patient hoists - you'll likely need a motor capable of delivering a lot of torque. A great example is in the rapidly growing caravan mover market, where smooth delivery and high torque are prerequisites to ensure even the largest caravans can be moved and parked safely and accurately.

2. How much power will I need?
When purchasing an electric motor for your application, it's important to consider the amount of power required for it to function as intended. You might want to think about how hard you'll need to drive a motor and whether the application will require the motor to be operating at maximum output for sustained periods of time.

3. Is AC or DC the right choice?
Another important consideration is whether to go for an AC or DC geared motor. Generally, AC motors offer smooth, quiet operation and are capable of operating at high speeds. Alternatively, DC motors are a great choice if you need to achieve a constant, high torque. If your application demands a particularly quiet operation, such as an electric wheelchair, an AC geared motor might be the solution for you.

4. What battery voltage will I need?
The battery voltage required can depend on what you're asking your product to do and a higher voltage can help increase a motor's torque and power. Therefore, it's worth considering a higher battery voltage to improve consistency of power at an increased level.

5. What are the usage demands?
Consider how often your geared electric motor will be operational. Your product might run continuously day in, day out, which would be typical of the sort of operating pattern found in industrial automation applications. Alternatively, your product might only need to operate in short bursts with longer periods of downtime. A more demanding application might be more closely suited to an AC motor because they can cope with intense operational requirements and are highly durable.

We've been helping our customers choose the perfect motor solutions for more than 70 years. If you're unsure about which geared motor to choose, please contact us using our simple form or talk to one of our friendly motor experts about your project on +44 (0)1202 512575.

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The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc.

The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc.

The Wire Association International (WAI), Inc., founded in 1930, is a worldwide technical society for wire and cable industry professionals. Based in Madison, Connecticut, USA, WAI collects and shares technical, manufacturing, and general business information to the ferrous, nonferrous, electrical, fiber optic, and fastener segments of the wire and cable industry. WAI hosts trade expositions, technical conferences, and educational programs.