Baldor EM3218T Super-E Motor 5 HP 1750 RPM 184T ODP 3-Phase

Baldor-Reliance Super-E Motor EM3218T | 5 HP, 1750 RPM, 3-Phase, 184T, ODP

The Baldor-Reliance Super-E® EM3218T is a three-phase induction motor engineered for continuous, severe-duty service in commercial and industrial environments. Operating on standard dual-voltage architectures (208–230/460 VAC at 60 Hz, with 190/380 VAC 50 Hz derating support), this motor features an Open Drip-Proof (ODP / OPSB) enclosure optimized for maximum cross-flow cooling while safeguarding internal stator and rotor components from vertical falling liquids and particles.

Manufactured with low-loss electrical steel laminations and Class F insulation (with a Class B temperature rise at rated load), the EM3218T delivers a 1.15 Service Factor and complies fully with NEMA Premium® (IE3) efficiency standards. Its precision-machined heavy-gauge rolled steel frame, cast end plates, and oversized deep-groove ball bearings (6206 DE / 6205 ODE) pre-lubricated with Mobil Polyrex® EM grease ensure low-vibration performance, high radial load capability, and long-term mechanical reliability under direct-drive or belted operational regimes.

Model Details

• Brand: Baldor-Reliance (ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.)
• Catalog / Part Number: EM3218T
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN / Spec No.): 36G548Z657 / 36G548S270G1
• Motor Type: 3636M
• UPC Code: 781568104569

Technical Details:

Key Features

1. NEMA Premium® / IE3 Efficiency: Exceeds federal energy mandates with an 89.5% nominal efficiency rating, substantially lowering lifetime kilowatt-hour consumption in continuous-duty installations.
2. Inverter-Ready Winding System: Features Baldor’s ISR® (Inverter Spike Resistant) copper magnet wire capable of withstanding voltage spikes up to 1600V per NEMA MG1 Part 31.4.4.2, rated for variable torque (20:1) and constant torque (2:1) across variable frequency drives (VFDs).
3. High Starting & Breakdown Reserve: Delivers 32.1 lb-ft locked-rotor torque and 58.2 lb-ft breakdown torque for handling demanding high-inertia starts without rotor stall or thermal tripping.
4. Dual Bearing Support with High-Temp Lubrication: Fitted with 6206 drive-end and 6205 non-drive-end premium ball bearings, packed with Mobil Polyrex EM synthetic polyurea grease stable from -20°F to +300°F.
5. Heavy-Duty Construction: Features a rigid, welded-foot 184T frame manufactured from high-yield rolled steel, cast aluminum end brackets, and diagonally positioned oversized conduit box with standard NPT hub for easy cable management.

Equipment Compatibility

• Pumps: Bell & Gossett Series 1510/e-1510, Armstrong 4030, Taco FI/CI series centrifugal pumps.
• Air Compressors: Quincy QT-5, Champion R-15, Ingersoll Rand Type 30 reciprocating compressors.
• Blowers & Fans: Twin City, Greenheck, Loren Cook, and Chicago Blower industrial ventilation sets.
• Conveyor & Processing Drives: Direct or belt-coupled to Dodge, Nord, or SEW-Eurodrive gear units.

Applications

• Centrifugal Water Handling: Clean water circulation, chiller pumps, non-corrosive booster systems.
• HVAC Air Handling Units: Continuous-duty supply/return fans, cooling tower makeup blowers (dry indoor side).
• Industrial Compressors: Piston displacement and screw compressor heads requiring high pull-up torque.
• Industrial Agitators & Mixers: Low-viscosity mixing vessels, mechanical fluid blenders.
• Bulk Handling Systems: Flatbed and roller conveyor systems operating in ventilated processing bays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Baldor EM3218T operate on a 208-volt commercial supply?

Yes. The motor is rated for 208–230/460 VAC operation. When operating on 208 VAC network power, the motor draws approximately 14.0 amperes at full rated load. Ensure wiring, thermal overloads, and circuit breakers are sized accordingly.

Is the Baldor EM3218T suitable for outdoor or washdown environments?

No. The EM3218T has an Open Drip-Proof (ODP / OPSB) enclosure. It is designed specifically for dry, clean, indoor installations where falling moisture does not enter beyond a 15-degree vertical angle. For outdoor, wet, or washdown environments, select a Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) or stainless steel washdown motor, such as the Baldor EM3665T or severe-duty ECP series.

What size circuit breaker and wire gauge should be used for 460V 3-phase wiring?

At 460 VAC, the full load current is 7.0 A. Under NEC Article 430, branch circuit conductors must be sized to at least 125% of FLA (8.75 A minimum), allowing standard 14 AWG copper wire. A 15-amp dual-element time-delay motor branch circuit fuse or inverse-time circuit breaker is typical, matched to the startup inrush current of 47.8 A.

Can this motor be run on a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?

Yes. The EM3218T is inverter-ready and rated for variable torque duty down to 20:1 (3 Hz to 60 Hz) and constant torque duty down to 2:1 (30 Hz to 60 Hz). If your application requires wider constant torque speed reduction, consider an external blower-assisted motor or an enclosed inverter-duty motor.

What is the correct bearing re-lubrication frequency and grease type?

This motor utilizes Mobil Polyrex® EM (polyurea-based) bearing grease. Under normal 24/7 industrial duty at 1750 RPM, re-lubricate bearings every 5,500 operating hours. Do not mix lithium-complex or calcium greases with the factory polyurea grease, as incompatible thickeners will break down and cause bearing failure.