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The relationship between motor rated current and operating current

Date:2024-01-16   Author:XINDA MOTOR

The relationship between the rated current of the motor and the operating current is that the rated current of the motor refers to the current that the motor can operate stably for a long time at the rated voltage. The operating current refers to the actual current generated by the motor due to changes in load during actual operation.


First, let’s look at the rated current of the motor. The rated current of the motor refers to the current that the motor can operate stably for a long time at the rated voltage. This current is determined when the motor is designed, and it reflects the load capacity of the motor at rated voltage. The rated current of the motor is usually marked on the nameplate of the motor so that users can understand the rated load of the motor.


However, in actual use, the operating current of the motor often changes due to changes in load. For example, when a motor is started, due to the large starting torque, the motor may pass a large current in a short period of time. In addition, when the load carried by the motor increases, the motor will also generate greater torque through larger current to meet the load demand. Therefore, when the load is large, the operating current will be greater than the rated current.


However, if the motor exceeds the rated current for a long time during operation, the heat generation and temperature rise of the motor may increase, resulting in shortened motor life or damage. Therefore, in actual use, it is necessary to select the appropriate motor model and specifications according to the load of the motor to ensure that the motor operates at the rated current and avoid damage or accidents caused by overload.


In addition, for some motor application scenarios that require frequent starting or load changes, such as cranes, compressors, etc., in order to ensure the safe operation of the motor and extend its service life, corresponding protection measures are required for the motor. For example, a soft start method can be used to reduce the inrush current when the motor starts; or overload protection, overheating protection and other functions can be added to the motor control system to prevent damage or accidents caused by motor overload or overheating.


In short, the relationship between the rated current of the motor and the operating current is closely related. In actual use, it is necessary to select the appropriate motor model and specifications based on the motor's load condition, working environment and other factors to ensure the safe, stable and long-life operation of the motor. At the same time, for some special application scenarios, corresponding protective measures need to be taken to ensure the safe operation of electrical appliances and extend their service life.


In order to better understand the relationship between the rated current and operating current of the motor, we can illustrate it through some specific cases.


Suppose there is a motor with a rated current of 10A. In actual operation, if the load carried by the motor is light, such as just driving a stirrer to rotate, the operating current of the motor may be only about 6A. In this case, the operating current of the motor is less than the rated current, which means that the load of the motor does not exceed its rated load capacity and the motor can operate safely and stably. Under normal circumstances, the operating current is 60% of the rated current, and the motor operates the most stably.


But if the load carried by the motor is large, such as driving a compressor, the operating current of the motor may reach 12A or even higher. In this case, the operating current of the motor exceeds the rated current, indicating that the motor is overloaded. If overloaded for a long time, the heat and temperature rise of the motor will increase, resulting in shortened motor life or damage.


In order to solve this problem, we can take the following two methods:


Increase the size or model of the motor to provide greater load capacity and output power. This allows the motor to run at a higher current without overloading.

Optimize motor control strategies and protection measures. For example, a soft start method is used to reduce the starting inrush current; or overload protection, overheating protection and other functions are added to prevent damage or accidents caused by motor overload or overheating.


In short, it is very important to ensure the safe, stable and long-life operation of the motor by understanding the relationship between the rated current and the operating current of the motor and taking corresponding measures. In actual use, we need to select the appropriate motor model and specification according to the specific situation and take corresponding protective measures to ensure the safe operation of the motor and extend its service life.