• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Motion Control Tips

Automation • Motion Control • Power Transmission

  • News
    • Industry News
    • Editor Blogs
  • Controls
    • HMIs
    • PC-Based Controllers
    • PLCs + PACs
    • Stand-Alone Controllers
    • Software
  • Drives
    • Servo Drives
    • Stepper Drives
  • Encoders
    • Absolute Encoders
    • Incremental Encoders
    • Rotary Encoders
  • Mechanical
    • Bearings
    • Brakes + Clutches
    • Belt + chain
    • Couplings
    • Gears + Gearing
    • Lubrication
    • Shock + Vibration Mitigation
    • Springs + Rings + Seals
  • Linear
    • Actuators
    • Linear Motors
    • Linear Encoders
  • Motors
    • AC Motors
    • DC Motors
    • Brushless Motors
    • Gearmotors
    • Piezo Motors
    • Servo Motors
    • Stepper Motors
  • Systems
    • Conveyors + linear transport systems
    • Gantries + Stages
    • Rotary Tables
    • Grippers + End Effectors
    • Robotics
  • Networks
    • Connections + Sliprings
    • Fieldbuses
    • I/O
    • Sensors + Vision
  • Resources
    • FAQs
      • Motion Casebook
      • Motion Selection Guides
    • Suppliers
    • Video
You are here: Home / FAQs + basics / FAQ: What is the effect of ambient temperature on gearmotor rating?

FAQ: What is the effect of ambient temperature on gearmotor rating?

March 31, 2017 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

gearmotors
This nameplate from a Bodine Electric gearmotor shows an ambient temperature rating of 40°C.

Plenty of factors go into gearmotor performance. From the input power source to the right fit between the gearmotor and the application, down to environmental factors. One of the most critical is temperature; specifically, the ambient temperature.

Consider an example. Suppose there are two gearmotors each with the same horsepower rating. One is rated for 25°C and the other for 40°C ambient. If the gearmotor rated for 25°C is used where the ambient temperature is 40°C, that motor would run much hotter than its rated ambient temperature. The result: a shortened useful life in the form of damage to the motor lubricant and winding insulation.

Given the importance of ambient temperature rating, one would imagine that all gearmotor manufacturers would include this information on the nameplate. Not so. If not present on the nameplate, ask the manufacturer to supply the information.

Example courtesy of Bodine Electric. 

You Might Also Like

Filed Under: FAQs + basics

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

LEARNING CENTER

Design World Learning Center

Motion Control Handbook

“mct
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Design Engineering Professionals.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Robotic Automation is Indispensable for the Logistics Industry’s Continued Growth and Success
  • Reliable Linear Motion For Packaging Machines
  • Polymers Outperform Metals In Precision Gearing

Footer

Motion Control Tips

DESIGN WORLD NETWORK

Design World Online
The Robot Report
Coupling Tips
Linear Motion Tips
Bearing Tips
Fastener Engineering.
Wire and Cable Tips

MOTION CONTROL TIPS

Subscribe to our newsletter
Advertise with us
Contact us
About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy | RSS