What Does a Motor Model Code Tell You?
A motor model code identifies a product series and selected design details. In the Shangli catalogue examples below, the code indicates the series, nominal shaft centre height, frame or core-length designation, and number of poles. Some versions also include an environmental suffix.
However, a model code is not a complete motor specification. Voltage, frequency, output, mounting, cooling and certification information must be checked against the nameplate and model-specific technical documents.
Start with the Series Designation
Read the series prefix as a complete identifier before interpreting the numbers that follow. Similar-looking prefixes can refer to motors intended for different operating conditions.
| Series | Product Family Described in Shangli’s Catalogue |
|---|---|
| YE3 | General-purpose, high-efficiency three-phase induction motors |
| YPT3 | Variable-frequency three-phase induction motors |
| YBX4 | High-efficiency flameproof three-phase induction motors |
| YBBP | Flameproof variable-frequency three-phase induction motors |
| YFBBP3 | Dust-protected variable-frequency three-phase induction motors |
The prefix is a useful starting point, but it does not establish the complete rating or certification scope of an individual motor. Do not interpret a number within the series name as a universal efficiency or protection classification.
Example 1: YPT3-200L-4
Shangli’s YPT3 model illustration uses YPT3-200L-4 as an example.
| Code Element | Meaning in This Example |
|---|---|
| YPT3 | Variable-frequency three-phase induction motor series |
| 200 | Nominal shaft centre height of 200 mm |
| L | Long frame-length designation |
| 4 | Four poles |
The code does not mean that the motor is 200 mm long or rated at 200 kW. It also does not identify a mounting arrangement such as IM B3 or IM B5. Those details must be specified separately.
Example 2: YE3-315L2-4
The YE3 catalogue illustration shows YE3-315L2-4, followed by 200 kW and IP55. These accompanying values describe output and enclosure protection rather than additional frame-code elements.
| Code or Marking | How to Read It |
|---|---|
| YE3 | Motor series |
| 315 | Nominal shaft centre height of 315 mm |
| L2 | Length designation for the selected frame/core variant; retain the complete L2 designation when identifying the motor |
| 4 | Four poles |
| 200 kW | Rated output stated for the illustrated example |
| IP55 | Enclosure protection rating stated for the example |
The 200 kW value belongs to the example shown in the catalogue. It should not be applied to every motor with a 315 frame designation. Always check the complete model and rating.
Example 3: YBX4-315L1-2-W
Shangli’s YBX4 model illustration separates the series, shaft centre height, frame length, core-length code, pole count and environmental suffix.
| Code Element | Meaning in This Example |
|---|---|
| YBX4 | High-efficiency flameproof three-phase induction motor series |
| 315 | Nominal shaft centre height of 315 mm |
| L | Long frame-length designation |
| 1 | Core-length variant code |
| 2 | Two poles |
| W | Outdoor version designation in this series |
The W suffix does not, by itself, specify every outdoor operating condition. Temperature, moisture, corrosion, enclosure protection and installation requirements still need to be confirmed.
Do Not Apply One Decoding Rule to Every Series
Catalogue conventions vary between product families.
A length designation may appear as a combined code in
one illustration and as separate frame and core-length
elements in another.
Treat the complete designation as the product identifier. Do not omit digits such as the “1” in L1 or the “2” in L2, and do not assume that suffixes have identical meanings across all motor series.
What the Model Code Does Not Fully Specify
Electrical ratings: rated voltage, frequency, current and connection arrangement.
Operating speed: pole count alone does not provide the rated shaft speed; check the nameplate and operating frequency.
Mechanical compatibility: mounting arrangement, shaft dimensions, flange details and overall motor length.
Cooling and operating limits: cooling method, duty, ambient conditions and any variable-speed restrictions.
Efficiency: the applicable efficiency class or grade, standard and rated efficiency value.
Explosion protection: the complete Ex marking, certificate coverage and any special conditions of use.
A model designation, an IP rating and an explosion-protection marking serve different purposes. They should be recorded separately rather than treated as interchangeable descriptions.
How to Identify a Motor for Replacement or Quotation
Copy the complete model exactly as it appears on the nameplate. Include all letters, numbers and suffixes, together with the rated output, voltage, frequency and speed.
Send a clear photograph of the entire nameplate rather than a cropped image showing only the model. For a replacement, also provide the mounting arrangement and a dimensional drawing or photographs of the equipment interface.
If a character is unclear, do not guess. Mark it as uncertain and provide a close-up photograph so it can be checked.
Need Help Reading a Shangli Motor Model?
Email the model, nameplate photograph and application details to [email protected]. Our team can help identify the relevant product information and the specifications that need confirmation for your enquiry.