Overview
The Baldor M3608 is a discontinued general-purpose three-phase AC induction motor delivering 2 horsepower at 3450 RPM. It features a TEFC (totally enclosed, fan-cooled) 184 steel frame construction with foot-mount configuration and standard flange. Available for multi-voltage operation at 208V, 230V, or 460V, 60Hz, this motor is widely used in industrial facilities for pumps, compressors, fans, conveyors, and machine tools where robust three-phase power is required.
Key Features
- 2 HP continuous-duty output at 3450 RPM (synchronous speed 3600 RPM)
- TEFC enclosure protects against dust, moisture, and splash contamination
- Multi-voltage design: 208V, 230V, 460V single-speed operation
- 184 rigid foot-mount frame with standard flange for industrial flexibility
- Heavy-gauge steel frame and ball bearings rated for typical industrial duty
- Design Code B, Service Factor 1.15, Insulation Class F
- 84% efficiency at 100% load; 60 Hz frequency
Technical Specifications
The following specifications are taken directly from Baldor’s official product datasheet:
- Output Power: 2.0 HP @ 60 Hz
- Speed: 3450 RPM (nominal); 3600 RPM (synchronous)
- Phase: 3-phase
- Voltage (60 Hz): 208V, 230V, 460V switchable
- Current @ 460V: 2.6 A
- Current @ 230V: 5.2 A
- Current @ 208V: 5.6 A
- Frame Size: 184 (NEMA footprint)
- Enclosure Type: TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled)
- Mounting: Rigid foot-mount with standard flange
- Shaft Diameter: 7/8 inch
- Bearing Type: Ball bearings; Polyrex EM grease (-20°F to +300°F)
- Efficiency: 84% at full load
- Design Code: B (NEMA Design)
- Service Factor: 1.15
- Insulation Class: F (155°C)
- Ambient Temperature Rating: 40°C
- Duty Rating: Continuous (CONT)
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Dimensions: 13″ × 20″ × 13″
- Certifications: CURUS
Typical Applications
The Baldor M3608 is engineered for standard industrial duty cycles and commonly applied in:
- Centrifugal and reciprocating pump drives
- Air and gas compressor systems
- Industrial fan and blower systems
- Conveyor and material handling equipment
- Machine tool spindle drives
- HVAC and general industrial machinery requiring three-phase power
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- NEMA 184 foot-mount frame systems
- Three-phase 60 Hz industrial electrical distribution systems
- Multi-voltage soft-starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs) rated for this frame and horsepower
- Standard industrial couplings compatible with 7/8″ diameter shaft
- Belt-drive and direct-drive pump, fan, and compressor configurations
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
The Baldor M3608 directly replaces other NEMA 184 frame 2HP 3450RPM three-phase motors with identical foot-bolt patterns and shaft configuration. Verify dimensional compatibility and terminal box location before substitution. Common legacy NEMA 184 2HP motors at this speed are mechanically interchangeable.
Works With
- Three-phase 60 Hz AC power systems (208V, 230V, or 460V)
- Soft-starters and reduced-voltage starters for NEMA 184 frames
- Industrial VFDs with vector or scalar control (verify voltage rating)
- Thermal overload relays and contactors rated for 2-6A loading
- Standard NEMA mounting flanges and shaft couplings
- Motor control centers (MCCs) and industrial control panels
