PSC motors are typically positioned by most manufacturers as a standard product offering and are used in furnaces, air handlers, condensing units and packaged products.
PSC single-speed motor technology has been the standard in the industry for many years and represents the highest installed base. What is this newer motor, and how does it compare to PSC single-speed and ECM variable-speed motor technologies? Why is it popular?
Referred to as its X13 motor, this new technology has significantly gained in popularity among all heating and air conditioning equipment manufacturers. In 2006, Regal-Beloit (formerly known as General Electric, now known as Genteq) introduced a third motor technology to the industry. Most HVAC professionals understand the key differences between these two motor types and are comfortable discussing the benefits of one technology over another. Historically, the two predominant motor types have been permanent split capacitor (PSC) single-speed motors and 2.3 electronically commutated motors (ECMs) with variable-speed capability. The type specified in any product design depends upon several criteria, including the product’s performance goals, positioning, cost and potential application. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry currently uses a variety of motor technologies in its equipment.