Each electric motor manufacturer has their own format for part numbers, which can make finding a replacement motor challenging. In this article, we will attempt to shed light on the method that the ABB Baldor Reliance Company uses to label their products.
At first appearance, Baldor catalog numbers look more like secret codes rather than formatted part numbers. L3510T, KBL3409, VECP83583T-4... they're enough to make your head spin.
But we're here to tell you that Baldor catalog numbers are actually not difficult to interpret. All you need is the key, and soon you'll be cracking the codes like a pro!
In this expanded guide, you’ll learn:
- How to identify a Baldor catalog number
- How to break down prefix, body, and suffix codes
- Practice examples of decoded numbers
- Industries that use Baldor Reliance Motors
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How to match replacement motors with confidence
👉 Looking for a replacement motor right now? Shop Baldor Motors Here
Baldor Catalog Numbers
Baldor catalog numbers are unique alphanumeric codes that identify a motor’s design, performance, specifications, and intended use.
A typical Baldor number has three main parts:
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Prefix – Letters that describe the motor’s type, duty, or features
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Body – A set of numbers (often non-significant) representing the model series
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Suffix – Extra letters or numbers describing voltage, frame size, mounting, or design modifications
📌 Example: L3510T
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L = Single phase motor (prefix)
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3510 = Model identifier (body)
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T = NEMA “T” frame (suffix)
Having the code key is a useful tool to decipher the part number and make searching for your replacement Baldor motor easier.
Baldor Prefix Codes & Meanings
The prefix tells you what type of motor you’re dealing with. This information is essential for matching applications—whether you’re working with HVAC systems, farm equipment, food processing machinery, or pumps.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common Baldor prefixes you’ll see:
- AFL - Aeration fan motor, single phase
- AFM - Aeration fan motor, three phase
- ANFL - Auger fan motor, single phase
- B - Brake motor
- CD - Wound field DC motor NEMA C-face with base
- CDM - Dirty duty, three phase
- CDRX – Drill rig duty explosion-proof, three phase
- CEL – Super-E premium efficient, single phase, C-Face
- CEM – Super-E premium efficient, three phase, C-Face
- CF - Condenser fan motor
- CH- Direct drive fan motor
- CJWDM - Washdown jet pump, three phase, foot mounted
- CP - Severe duty motor
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CPX – Severe duty explosion-proof, three phase
- CR - Crusher duty motor
- CTM – Cooling tower motor
- CXL – Explosion-proof, single phase, C-Face foot mounted
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CXM – Explosion-proof, three phase, C-Face foot mounted
- D - Wound field DC motor
- E – Super-E premium efficient motor
- ECP - Super-E severe duty motor
- ECP8 - IEEE 841 motor
- ENCP - Super-E severe duty motor, TENV
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FDL – Farm duty
- FP - Fire pump motor
- FSWDL – Stainless steel washdown motor
- GSL – Grain stirring motor
- HFM – HVAC motor with F-2 mounted connection box
- HM – HVAC duty motor, three phase
- IDM – Inverter duty motor, TEBC
- IDNM – Inverter duty motor, TENV
- IDWNM - Washdown inverter duty motor, TENV
- J - 56J stainless steel threaded shaft
- JM – Pump shaft and face
- JP – Jet pump shaft and face with base
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L – Single phase motor
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M – Three phase motor
- MM - Metric dimension motor with base
- MVM - Metric dimension motor, flange mount less base
- N – Totally enclosed non-ventilated motor
- PCL - Pressure washer motor, C-face with base, single phase
- PL - Pressure washer motor, single phase
- PSC - Permanent split capacitor
- SS – All stainless
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SWD – Paint-free washdown duty motor
- UC - Grain dryer / vane axial fan
- UCC - Universal crop dryer motor
- UH - Unit handling motor
- V - NEMA C-face less base
- VEM - Super-E premium, three phase, C-face less base
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VLCP – Vertical medium thrust pump motor
- VPCP – Vertical high thrust pump motor
- WD - Washdown duty
- X - Explosion proof
🔠 Baldor Suffix Codes
While prefixes describe what type of motor it is, suffixes tell you how it’s built. These details make a big difference when sourcing a replacement.
🔌 Voltage & Winding
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-4 = 460 volt winding
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-5 = 575 volt winding
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-50 = Wound for 50 Hz service
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-2340 = 2300/4000 volt winding
🧰 Frame & Mounting
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T = NEMA T-frame motor
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TR = T-frame with roller bearing
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TS = T-frame short shaft
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H = 56H mounting
⚡ Electrical Features
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C = IEC B14 face mount
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D = IEC B5 flange mount
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E = New electrical design
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M = Manual thermal overload
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A = Automatic thermal overload
🌧️ Environmental Protection
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EX1, EX2, EX3 = Explosion-rated designs
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E = Encapsulated windings
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NL = Non-linear load (for VFD use)
⚙️ Mechanical Enhancements
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CI = Cast iron frame
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G = Shaft grounding ring
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L = Long shaft, convertible
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BG = Shaft ground motor (Baldor Reliance)
Real-World Example: Decoding a Baldor Number
Let’s decode EM3615T-4:
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E = Super-E premium efficient
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M = Three phase motor
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3615 = Model series
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T = T-frame mounting
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-4 = 460V winding
👉 This is a three-phase, premium efficiency, T-frame Baldor motor designed for 460 volts.
💡 Why Catalog Number Knowledge Matters
Understanding Baldor catalog numbers is not just a neat trick—it’s a critical maintenance skill.
✅ Match replacement motors exactly to OEM specs
✅ Avoid incorrect purchases that waste time and money
✅ Reduce downtime by ordering the right unit the first time
✅ Improve efficiency with the correct enclosure and winding type
For facilities that rely on uptime—like factories, data centers, or hospitals—knowing how to decode catalog numbers can be the difference between smooth operations and costly delays.
🛠️ Maintenance Tip: Don’t Forget Bearings
Did you know that more than half of motor failures are caused by bearings?
Baldor designs motors for long life, but regular lubrication, proper alignment, and correct VFD programming (for inverter duty models) all help maximize motor performance.
The L10 formula, used by the bearing industry, predicts life expectancy based on RPM, load, lubricant, and bearing type. Keeping an eye on these variables ensures your Baldor motor runs longer.
For more details, check out our related blog: Common Bearing Failures.
🏭 Industries That Use Baldor Reliance Motors
Baldor motors are widely used across industries, including:
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HVAC & Building Systems – Fans, chillers, and cooling towers
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Food Processing & Washdown Environments – Stainless steel motors built for sanitation
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Agriculture – Grain dryers, irrigation pumps, and farm duty motors
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Municipal & Industrial Water Systems – Vertical pump and jet pump motors
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Manufacturing & Material Handling – Conveyor, unit handling, and inverter duty motors
👉 Shop Baldor Motors at Square One
🏷️ Baldor Motors by Industry
Baldor (now part of ABB Baldor-Reliance) offers one of the widest ranges of industrial motors in the world, covering everything from light-duty HVAC units to severe-duty explosion-proof motors. Each type is engineered for specific environments and applications. Understanding the categories can help you narrow down which Baldor motor best fits your needs.
⚙️ General Purpose Motors
Designed for everyday industrial and commercial use, general purpose motors are the backbone of Baldor’s product line. They power conveyors, pumps, compressors, and fans across countless industries. Available in single-phase and three-phase, these motors are versatile, durable, and cost-effective.
🌱 Farm Duty Motors
Agriculture demands motors that can handle unpredictable loads, dusty conditions, and outdoor environments. Baldor’s farm duty motors include irrigation pump motors, grain stirring motors, and high-torque models that withstand harsh farm applications.
❄️ HVAC & Fan Motors
Baldor produces specialized HVAC motors for cooling towers, condenser fans, and blowers. These motors are optimized for quiet operation, continuous duty, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for schools, hospitals, and office buildings.
Visit Baldor.com HVAC Motors Page
💧 Pump Motors
Pump motors are engineered for irrigation, wastewater, and fluid handling. Baldor offers JP, JM, and vertical hollow shaft pump motors, each designed to handle different thrust levels and pumping requirements.
Visit Baldor.com Water & Wastewater Motors Page
🧼 Washdown Duty & Food-Safe Motors
For industries where sanitation is critical—such as food processing, meatpacking, or pharmaceuticals—Baldor’s stainless steel washdown motors resist corrosion and withstand high-pressure cleaning. These motors are USDA- and FDA-compliant, ensuring safety in hygienic environments.
Visit Baldor.com Food and Beverage Motor Page
🔥 Explosion-Proof & Hazardous Location Motors
Built for mines, refineries, chemical plants, and grain elevators, Baldor’s explosion-proof motors meet rigid NEC and UL safety standards. They are designed to prevent ignition in hazardous environments where flammable gases or dust may be present.
Visit Baldor.com Chemical, Oil, & Gas Motors Page
⚡ Inverter Duty & VFD-Compatible Motors
Modern facilities rely on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to control motor speed and save energy. Baldor’s inverter duty motors are built with reinforced insulation systems, shaft grounding, and VFD-rated bearings to handle non-linear loads without overheating.
🚛 Definite Purpose & Specialty Motors
Baldor also manufactures motors for unique applications, such as:
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Unit handling motors for conveyors and logistics
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Checkout stand motors for retail environments
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Crusher duty motors for mining and aggregates
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Cooling tower motors designed for outdoor HVAC systems
Each specialty motor is engineered for a specific operating environment where general purpose motors would not perform as well.
📚 Related Blogs
Looking to dig deeper? Explore these helpful guides:
🔧 OEM Motor & Blower Cross Reference
📘 Industrial Electric Motor Comparison
🧰 5 Maintenance Tips to Avoid Machine Failure
🛒 Why Buy Baldor Motors from Square One Electric?
When you shop with Square One, you get:
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✅ OEM-quality Baldor motors
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✅ Competitive pricing
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✅ Fast shipping from the nearest warehouse
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✅ Expert support team ready to help decode catalog numbers
📞 Contact Us Today for expert help choosing your replacement Baldor motor.
Baldor catalog numbers are more than labels—they’re a map to motor specifications. By learning how to decode prefixes, bodies, and suffixes, you’ll be able to:
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Match OEM specs exactly
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Reduce costly downtime
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Improve motor efficiency and longevity
Whether you need a pump motor, HVAC unit, farm duty model, or explosion-proof motor, the team at Square One Electric Motors & Pumps can help you find the right Baldor motor—fast.