3-speed motors, low, medium and high speed in one motor

For HVAC fans, industrial hoists and process mixers that need three different speed regimes. Almost always custom, build-to-spec. 0.55-55 kW, IEC frame 80-280.

Power range
0,55-55 kW
IEC Frame
80-280
Speeds
3 × free choice
Lead time
4-8 weeks
Principle · Three speeds

Three tuned speeds. One motor.

Two independent windings, one Dahlander, one single, give three discrete synchronous speeds. No VFD required. No in-between values. Just exactly what the process needs.

I · Low 12-pole step For soft start, presses, mixing at low speed. Full torque. Ideal for heavy starting.
II · Mid 6-pole step Working speed. Highest efficiency point. Energy-optimised for everyday duty.
III · High 4-pole step Peak demand or fast cycle. Temporary use, lower torque, no continuous duty.
IV · Switching 3 contactors One Dahlander winding + one single winding = 3 switching positions via simplified control.

When a three-speed motor?

A three-speed motor has three synchronous speeds in one motor, switched via multiple winding sets. Widely used where a VFD is not desirable or economic:

  • HVAC fans, low/medium/high regime for winter/summer/peak ventilation
  • Industrial hoists, fine positioning / normal transport / speed
  • Process mixers, pre-mix / main mix / post-reaction at different viscosities
  • Compressors with stepped capacity control
  • Specialistische pompen met meerdere vaste bedrijfspunten

Construction and winding configuration

Three-speed motors are almost always fully custom. The stator contains multiple winding sets with separate contactors per speed.

Dahlander + separate winding
Combination gives maximum flexibility in speed ratio. Most used approach for three-speed applications.
3× separate windings
Fully free choice of speed ratios. Higher motor cost but no compromise on technical specs.
Power range0.55 kW, 55 kW (typical)
FrameIEC 80 to 280
SpeedsFree choice per winding
Voltage400V, separate contactors per speed
Thermal protectionSeparate PTC/PT100 per winding set
TestGuaranteed FAT on all three speeds
DeliveryBuild-to-spec, 4-8 weeks

VFD as a more cost-efficient alternative?

In many cases a single-speed IE3 motor with VFD is cheaper, more energy efficient and more flexible. We are happy to calculate the 10-year TCO (total cost of ownership) for both options so you can make an informed choice.

Custom
4-8 weeks
Three-speed motor
Robust, no electronics, ideal in explosive environments or at high ambient temperatures where drives are expensive.
From stock
1-3 b. days
IE3 motor + VFD
Stepless control, more energy efficient, faster available. We supply motor + drive as a combined package with compatibility check.
View standard product list 6,800+ electric motors, Dormot and ABB, filterable by power, frame and specs

Custom technical advice

Send us your desired speeds, power per regime and application. We advise three-speed vs. VFD and calculate TCO for both. No quotation obligation.