What if, On a way, We get an unknown device ?
We do want to know about it, out of curiosity. What that device is all about ? What are functions of this device ? How does that device works ? and so on !
After looking at it, if we have not find any thing like instruction than it becomes much more difficult to know about it.
That’s the reason companies paste name plate across the machine.
What is a Nameplate?
A name plate is a compact plate space where important data related to that machine or device or instrument; are confined cleverly. Name plate is like an identity card Which explains the identity characteristics, range of input utilities, range of output, technical data of the machine or device or instrument.
For proper usage and safety, Symbols and logos are utilized on a name plate in a such a way that maximum information get delivered.
What is an Electrical nameplate?
Electrical nameplate describes the Electrical parameters belonging to the machine, device and instrument. Electrical parameters includes voltage, Current, Power, frequency etc.
Why do we need an Electrical name plate ??
- To know about the required utility of the machine for installation.
- To check the safe working limit of the machine
- To monitor the health status of the machine
- For replacement or to get the spares of the machine
- To know about the manufacturer
How to read an Electrical name plate ?
There are different sections marked in Electrical name plate. By looking at a name plate section wise, it will become much easier to understand the name plate.
- Manufacturer details : Manufacturer name and address, Machine’s Model name and type, serial number, year of manufacturing and country or origin.
- Electrical parameters : Voltage, Power, frequency, current rating.
- Technical details : Weight, Pressure, flow, RPM, temperature, Humidity, IP rating
- Approved standards : Approved standards are like legal approval for the machine for its manufacturing, Import and sale. These standards also ensures the usage and transport of the machine. Such as IEC(International electrotechnical commission), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), BIS (bureau of Indian standards)
- Other instructions : Safety measures for machines and humans. Spares and parts related to the machine.
Practical Example of a Motor Name plate
Next, We are going to discuss the name plates of several types of machines and devices !
Name plate of packaging machine by Multivack
Manufacturer Name and address
- MULTIVACK Sepp Haggenmuller
- SE & Co. KG
- Bahnhofstr. 4
- 87787 Wolfertschwenden
- Germany
Machine details
- Machine type : R145
- Machine serial number : 389241
- Year of manufacturing : 2026
Marked standards
- CE (European Conformity)
- UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed)
- EAC (eurasion conformity)
- CMIM (Morocco Product Compliance)
- SASO (conformity from Saudi Arabia)
- DGUV test (Germany)
Electrical details
- U (Voltage rating) : 415 V 3/N/PE AC 50 Hz
- Fuse : 50 A
- Power rating : 12 kW
- Ampere rating : 36 Amps
- Breaking capacity : 5KA
Name plate of Air compressor 37 KW by KAESER
Manufacturer Name and address
- Manufacturer : KAESER Compressors
- Address (Germany) : KAESER KOMPRSSOREN SE Carl-Kaeser-Str. 26 GERMANY 96450 Coburg
- Address (India) : KAESER COMPRESSORS (India) Pvt. Ltd. Plot No. 1&2 Survey No. 297, 298, 299 Indo-German Technology Park, Urawade, Taluka Mulshi, Dist PUNE – 412 115, INDIA
Machine details
- Model : BSD 75
- Machine serial number : 1401
- Machine part number : 101253.10560
- Year of manufacturing : 2023
Technical details
- Rated Power : 37 KW
- Rated motor speed : 2960 rpm
- Max. working pressure : 8.5 bar
- Ambient temperature : 3/45 deg. celcius
Name plate of Pressure pump
This pressure pump is designed for RO systems and Steam boilers.
Manufacturer Name and address
- Manufacturer : GRUNDFOS DK-8850 Bjerringbro, Denmark
- Assembled in India
Machine details
- Machine type : CR5-22 P-FGJ-K-E-HQQE
- Machine model : PN- SN A-93335260-10000104
- Product code : P22613
Marked standards
- CE (European Conformity)
- WRAS 23C
- WEEE : Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment directive
- Number 10 in revolving circle : China RoHS Environmental Protection Use Period (EPUP) mark featuring the number 10 inside a circular arrow.
Technical details
- Power (KW)- 3
- Frequency – 50
- Weight – 30Kg (Excluding motor)
- RPM – 2917
- flow – 5.8 m³/h
- Direction – CCW (counter clock wise)
- H/Hmax – 115/150m
- MEI ≥ 0.57
- Nominal efficiency – 65%
- pmax/tmax – 25/120 bar/°C (Maximum pressure/Maximum temperature)
Name plate of AC servo motor
Manufacturer Name and address
- Manufacturer : Kinco Electric (Shenzhen) Ltd.
- Made in China
Machine details
- Motor code : 3656/V6
- Model : SMK80s-0075-30MAK-5LSA
- S/N : V6NAK0S243470083
Marked standards
- CE (European Conformity)
Electrical details
- Un (Nominal voltage) : 220 VAC
- Pn (Nominal Power) : 750 Watt
- In (Ampere rating) : 3.9 Amps
- Ingress protection : IP67
- Insulation class : F
- Mn (Nominal motor torque) : 2.39 Nm
- Nominal RPM : 3000
Name plate of side mounted level make Baumer
This is special side mounted level switch. This switch contains a limit switch. On the particular level, Limit switch produces an electrical signal.
Manufacturer Name and address
Machine Make : Baumer
Machine details
- Machine type : Side mounted level switch
Electrical details
- Operating pressure : 10 KG/cm Sq.
- Temperature : -10°C to 180°C
- Switch and rating : SPDT & 5A/250 VAC
What Happens if Nameplate Ratings Are Ignored?
- Machine can get damage which further includes electrical damage or mechanical damage.
- Dangerous for humans.
- Machine may not works or not works precisely.
Common mistakes while reading an Electrical nameplate
- Units misconception
- Different levels misconception
- Connection type misconception
“Units misconception” like whether the rated power is defined in HP or KW.
Next, We are going to discuss “connection type misconception” through a name plate of 4 KW induction motor.
On an name plate, Voltage is 240/415 D/Y. It is the example of “connection type misconception“. Here is the doubt about the voltage Which voltage is level needs to be connected. After the voltage, Connection type is been mentioned. Which says at line voltage 240V, motor must be connected in Delta winding configuration. While at line voltage of 415V, Motors must be connected in Y(star) winding configuration. A wrong connection can damage the motor parmanently.
Next, We are going to discuss “different level misconception” through a name of 5.5KW induction motor, make : LENZE.
In that name plate, Motors rated power is defined at different frequency and different voltage levels. Like :
| Frequency | Rated Power (KW) | VY( Rated Voltage at star connection) | AY(Rated Ampere at star connection) | VD(Rated voltage at delta connection) | AD(Rated Current at delta connection) | Rated RPM |
| 50 | 5.50 | 400 | 10.60 | 230 | 18.30 | 1480 |
| 60 | 5.50 | 460 | 9.26 | – | – | 1780 |
| 87 | 9.60 | – | – | 400 | 18.40 | 2590 |
- In a name plate, At 50 Hz power rating will be 5.50KW. Rated voltage at star connection be 400V. Rated ampere at star connection 10.60A. Rated voltage at delta connection be 230V. Rated current at delta connection be 18.30. Rated RPM will be 1480.
- At, 60 Hz. Rated power will be 5.50KW. Rated voltage at star connection be 460V. Rated ampere at star connection 9.26 A. Rated RPM will be 1480.
- At, 87 Hz. Rated power will be 9.60KW. Rated voltage at delta connection be 400V. Rated ampere at delta connection 18.40 A. Rated RPM will be 2590.
FAQs related to reading a name plate of Electrical machine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an electrical nameplate?
An electrical nameplate is a label attached to electrical equipment that provides important information such as rated voltage, current, power, frequency, speed, power factor, and other operating specifications. It helps users select, install, operate, and maintain equipment correctly.
2. Why is it important to read an electrical nameplate?
Reading an electrical nameplate helps ensure that equipment is connected to the correct power supply and operated within its specified ratings. It also helps during equipment selection, protection coordination, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
3. What is the difference between rated power and rated current on a nameplate?
Rated power indicates the equipment’s specified power rating, while rated current indicates the current associated with its rated operating conditions. For an electric motor, the nameplate power in kW usually represents mechanical output power, whereas the rated current is the electrical input current at the specified voltage, frequency, and load conditions.
4. What do voltage and frequency mean on an electrical nameplate?
Voltage indicates the rated supply voltage, while frequency indicates the supply frequency at which the equipment is designed to operate. Both must be considered when connecting electrical equipment, especially motors and transformers, because operating them outside their specified conditions may cause overheating, reduced performance, or damage.
5. What does IP rating mean on an electrical nameplate?
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against access to hazardous parts, the entry of solid foreign objects, and water ingress. For example, IP55 indicates protection against dust in quantities that could interfere with satisfactory operation and protection against water jets, subject to the applicable test conditions.
6. How do you read a motor’s star and delta voltage ratings?
A motor’s star and delta voltage ratings indicate the supply voltages associated with the respective winding connections. For example, a motor marked 240/415 V Δ/Y is generally designed to operate at approximately 240 V in delta or 415 V in star. Always check the manufacturer’s diagram and the actual supply voltage before making the connection.
7. Can an electric motor operate at a frequency different from its nameplate rating?
A motor may be capable of operating at a different frequency if its voltage, magnetic flux, cooling, speed, insulation, mechanical limits, and load are suitable for the new operating conditions. When using a variable frequency drive (VFD), follow the motor and drive manufacturers’ instructions rather than assuming that any frequency is acceptable.
8. What should you check first when reading an electrical nameplate?
Start by identifying the equipment and checking its rated voltage, frequency, current, and power. For motors, also check rated speed, power factor, efficiency, duty rating, insulation class, enclosure protection, and connection diagram wherever applicable. Compare the specifications with the available supply and the intended application before installation.