What does a motor's 'service factor' indicate?

The service factor of a motor is a crucial parameter that indicates its ability to handle overload conditions. Specifically, it defines the level of overload that the motor can manage without sustaining damage. For instance, if a motor has a service factor of 1.15, it is designed to handle 15% more load than its rated capacity under normal operating conditions. A higher service factor allows for short-term operation above the rated load, providing added durability and reliability in demanding situations.

This characteristic is significant for applications where unexpected overloads may occur, as it ensures that motors can continue to operate effectively without failure. Understanding the service factor helps in choosing the right motor for specific applications, especially in industries where heavy loads or variable operational conditions are typical.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of motor characteristics. Maximum speed capacity relates to the operational limits of the motor in terms of RPMs, energy efficiency ratings pertain to how much energy the motor consumes relative to its output, and operational lifespan indicates how long the motor can function before failure, none of which directly relate to the motor's capacity to manage overload situations.