When oversizing a motor for wider speed range, what is the maximum recommended increase?

When selecting a motor, especially in applications where a wider speed range may be required, it’s important to size it appropriately to avoid issues related to performance and efficiency. The recommendation to limit the motor oversizing to a maximum of 1 horsepower is based on operational efficiency and thermal considerations.

Oversizing a motor by a small margin allows for some flexibility in speed and load variations without significantly degrading the motor's efficiency. When a motor is oversized too much, it can lead to a number of problems, including increased heating, reduced performance efficiency, and potential mechanical wear due to lower load conditions.

In practical terms, a 1 horsepower increase maintains a balance between providing sufficient power for varying load conditions while still safeguarding the motor's operation within its design parameters. This practice helps avoid excessive energy consumption and extends the lifespan of the motor by preventing potential overheating and other operational issues.