Understanding Baldor Catalog Numbers: A Complete Guide for Motor Selection

By Square One Electric Motors & Pumps

Choosing the right electric motor can feel overwhelming—especially with all the codes, letters, and numbers manufacturers use. If you’ve ever seen a motor labeled L3510T or M3215T, you’ve looked at a Baldor motor catalog number. These codes may seem confusing, but they hold important clues that help you select the correct motor for your specific application.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand how Baldor catalog numbers are structured, what each part means, and how to use them to make informed purchasing decisions.

🔎 Looking to buy a replacement motor? Shop Baldor Motors Here

🧠 What Is a Baldor Catalog Number?

A Baldor catalog number is a unique alphanumeric code that identifies the motor’s design, performance specifications, and intended application. These numbers usually consist of three parts:

• Prefix – Letters that identify the motor’s type, duty, or special features

• Body – A series of numbers that represent the specific model (these are typically non-significant)

• Suffix – Letters and numbers that indicate voltage, enclosure, mounting, or design modifications

📌 Example: L3510T

• L = Single phase motor (prefix)

• 3510 = Model identifier

• T = NEMA “T” frame dimensions (suffix)

🔡 Understanding Baldor Prefix Codes (What They Mean and Why They Matter)

The prefix at the beginning of a Baldor catalog number tells you what kind of motor you're working with. This includes the type of application (HVAC, farm, pump), duty rating (washdown, explosion-proof, etc.), and power phase (single or three-phase).

Below are some of the most common prefix codes you’ll find on Baldor motors, organized by category.

⚙️ General Purpose Motors

• L – Single phase motor

• M – Three phase motor

• E – Super-E premium efficient motor

• CEM – Super-E premium efficient, three phase, C-Face

• CEL – Super-E premium efficient, single phase, C-Face

• N – Totally enclosed non-ventilated motor

🧼 Washdown Duty Motors

• SWDM – Paint-free washdown duty motor, three phase

• TCZWD – Washdown duty motor

• WDBM – Washdown brake motor

• FSWDM – All stainless steel food safe washdown motor, three phase

• SSEWDM – All stainless encapsulated Super-E washdown motor

🔥 Explosion-Proof & Hazardous Duty

• CPX – Severe duty explosion-proof, three phase

• CXM – Explosion-proof, three phase, C-Face foot mounted

• CXL – Explosion-proof, single phase, C-Face foot mounted

• CDRX – Drill rig duty explosion-proof, three phase

🌾 Agricultural & Farm Motors

• FDL – Farm duty, single phase

• FDEM – Farm duty, three phase, premium efficient

• GSL – Grain stirring motor

• UCM – Grain dryer/vane axial fan, three phase, open air over

💧 Pump Motors

• JP – Jet pump shaft and face with base

• JM – JM pump shaft and face

• VHM – Vertical pump motor - normal thrust

• VLCP – Vertical pump motor - medium thrust

• VPCP – Vertical pump motor - high thrust

🌀 HVAC & Fan Motors

• HM – HVAC duty motor

• HFM – HVAC duty with F-2 mounted connection box

• CFC – Condenser fan motor, permanent split capacitor

• CTM – Cooling tower motor

🚜 Specialty Motors

• UH – Unit handling motor

• CSC – Checkout stand motor

• IDM – Inverter Duty motor, TEBC

• SPM – Synchronous permanent magnet motor

• RHM – Definite purpose HVAC motors

To see the full list of prefix codes, visit the Baldor motor type directory.

🔠 Baldor Suffix Codes (The Hidden Features You Should Know)

After the model number, Baldor often includes a suffix. These suffixes indicate:

• Voltage ratings

• Frame type

• Enclosure type

• Custom features (like shaft grounding or special bearings)

Here are some commonly used suffixes and their meanings:

🔌 Voltage & Winding

• -4 – 460 volt winding

• -5 – 575 volt winding

• -50 – Wound for 50 hertz service

• -2340 – 2300/4000 volt winding

🧰 Frame & Mounting

• T – NEMA T-frame motor

• TR – T-frame with roller bearing

• TS – T-frame short shaft

• H – 56H mounting

⚡ Electrical Features

• C – IEC frame B14 face mount

• D – IEC frame B5 flange mount

• E – New electrical design

• M – Manual thermal overload

• A – Automatic thermal overload

🌧️ Environmental Protection

• EX1 – Ex nA

• EX2 – Ex d

• EX3 – Ex de

• E – Encapsulated windings

• NL – Non-linear load for VFD

⚙️ Mechanical Enhancements

• CI – Cast iron frame

• G – Shaft grounding ring (Aegis)

• L – Long shaft, convertible

• BG – Baldor-Reliance shaft ground motor

🔄 Decoding a Real-World Example

Let’s look at an actual Baldor catalog number and decode it:

Example: EM3615T-4

• E – Super-E premium efficient motor

• M – Three phase motor

• 3615 – Model series

• T – T-frame configuration

• -4 – 460V winding

👉 This is a three-phase, premium efficiency T-frame motor, built for 460 volts.

Looking for this motor or something similar?
🛒 Browse Baldor Motors

💡 Why Catalog Number Knowledge Matters

Understanding catalog numbers can:

• Help you match replacement motors exactly

• Avoid incorrect purchases

• Speed up maintenance and installation

• Improve motor efficiency and compatibility

When replacing an industrial or HVAC motor, knowing the meaning behind Baldor’s catalog number can save downtime and money.

🛠️ Still unsure which motor to choose?
📞 Contact Our Motor Experts

📈 Optimize for Performance with the Right Motor

Choosing the correct Baldor motor doesn’t just ensure compatibility—it impacts the energy efficiency, durability, and lifespan of your equipment. Whether you need a pump motor, HVAC fan, washdown-duty unit, or an explosion-proof motor, knowing how to read Baldor catalog numbers gives you the power to:

• Match OEM specifications

• Meet performance goals

• Reduce energy bills

• Stay compliant with DOE regulations

🛍️ Shop Baldor Motors at Square One Electric

At Square One Electric Motors & Pumps, we carry a wide range of Baldor motors for every industry, including:

• HVAC systems

• Food processing

• Agriculture

• Wastewater treatment

• Packaging & material handling

Why shop with us?

✅ OEM-quality products
✅ Competitive pricing
✅ Fast shipping
✅ Knowledgeable support team

📚 Additional Resources

• 🔧 Reliance to Baldor Cross Reference

• 📘 Baldor vs. Other Brands

• 🧰 Motor Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips Blogs

🏁 Final Thoughts

Baldor catalog numbers are more than just labels. They’re technical codes designed to help you choose the perfect motor for your job. From the type of motor to its mounting style and electrical configuration, every detail is embedded in the catalog number.

If you’re still unsure about your selection, the experts at Square One Electric are here to help. We’ll walk you through the catalog code and match you with the right motor—fast.

📞 Get Expert Help Today