What Torque, Duty Cycle, and Efficiency Ratings Really Mean

Torque: The Turning Power

Torque is the rotational force a motor can produce. It's measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or Newton-meters (Nm) and tells you how much load your motor can start, move, or stop.

• Starting Torque: The initial push to get machinery moving. Essential for compressors or conveyors starting under load.
• Running Torque: The steady force during operation.
• Peak Torque: Max torque for a short burst — useful for heavy startup loads.

💡 Why It Matters: Under sizing your motor's torque rating can cause overheating, slow startup, or failure under load. GSI motors are tested under real industrial loads to ensure reliable torque delivery in harsh conditions.

⏱ Duty Cycle: How Long It Can Run

Duty cycle tells you how long a motor can operate at full load without overheating. It’s expressed in terms like:

• S1 (Continuous Duty): Can run indefinitely at rated load.
• S2–S8 (Intermittent or Variable Duty): For applications with periodic loads or start/stop operations.

💡 Why It Matters: Choosing the wrong duty rating leads to premature wear. GSI motors are available in S1 continuous-duty configurations, perfect for fans, pumps, and compressors that run 24/7.

⚡ Efficiency Ratings: How Much Power Becomes Work

Efficiency tells you how much of the input electrical energy is turned into mechanical power. Common standards include:

• IE1 (Standard Efficiency)
• IE2 (High Efficiency)
• IE3 (Premium Efficiency)

💡 Why It Matters: An IE3 motor may cost slightly more upfront, but over a 3–5 year period, it can save hundreds to thousands in energy costs, especially in continuous-use applications.

At GSI, many of our motors meet or exceed IE3 premium efficiency standards — offering both performance and savings.

🧠 Conclusion: Know Your Specs, Protect Your Bottom Line

Motor specs aren’t just technical trivia — they directly affect your equipment’s lifespan, your power bill, and your uptime. With GSI electric motors, you get reliable torque, the right duty cycle for your application, and high-efficiency performance to reduce operating costs.

👉 Need help matching a motor to your job? Contact us!