INSULATION CLASS

Insulation systems are rated by standard NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers

Association) classifications according to maximum allowable operating temperatures:

Temperature
Tolerance
Class

Maximum Operation
Temperature Allowed

Allowable Temperature
Allowable
Rise at full load
Temperature Rise
1.0 service factor motor 1) 1.15 service factor motor 1)

105

221

60

70

130

266

80

90

155

311

105

115

180

356

125

T(oF) = [T(oC)](9/5) + 32

1)

Allowable temperature rises are based upon a reference ambient temperature of 40oC.
Operation temperature is reference temperature + allowable temperature rise + allowance
for "hot spot" winding.
Example Temperature Tolerance Class F:
40 oC + 105 oC + 10 oC
= 155 oC
In general a motor should not operate with temperatures above the maximum. Each 10 oC
rise above the rating may reduce the motor lifetime by one half. It is important to be aware
that insulation classes are directly related to motor life.
Example - a motor operating at 180 Degrees C will have an estimated life of

only 300 hours with a Class A insulation

1,800 hours with Class B insulation
8,500 hours with Class F insulation
tens of thousands of hours with Class H insulation

Temperature Tolerance Class B is the most common insulation class used on most 60 cycle
US motors. Temperature Tolerance Class F is the most common for international and 50
cycle motors.