Choosing between industrial motors starts with the supply you actually have: single-phase or three-phase. If your compressor or machine only sees single-phase power, the 5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor is the natural candidate. If your shop runs three-phase, the 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM 2 HP General Electric Motor puts a much smaller dent in your budget. The price spread is wide - $175.10 to $449.99 - but the right pick depends on power, frame, and the work you need done.
Quick verdict
Choose the 5 HP single-phase motor when you need real horsepower for a single-stage or two-stage air compressor and your electrical service is 208-230V single-phase. Choose the 2 HP three-phase motor when you have three-phase power and want a lower-cost, general-purpose motor with a C-face and removable base.
Comparison at a glance
| Spec | 5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor | 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM 2 HP General Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 449.99 | USD 175.10 |
| Horsepower | 5 HP | 2 HP |
| AC Phase | Single Phase | Three Phase |
| Voltage | 208-230V | 230/460V |
| Frame Size | 184T | 56C |
| Enclosure | TEFC | TEFC |
| Duty focus | Air compressor and agricultural | Premium efficiency / inverter-rated |
Both are new, 60Hz TEFC motors, so both are built for continuous fan-cooled operation. The decision comes down to single-phase versus three-phase, horsepower, mounting, and price.
Where each product wins
The 5 HP single-phase motor wins if you need high output from a single-phase supply. It is designed for single-stage and two-stage air compressors and agricultural equipment, so it is a direct replacement for that kind of duty. It also has a larger 184T frame and a higher 5 HP rating.
The 2 HP three-phase motor wins on price, flexibility, and mounting. It costs $274.89 less than the 5 HP motor, it can run on either 230V or 460V three-phase, and the 56C C-face with removable base fits equipment designed for C-face mounting. It is also inverter rated and listed as premium efficiency.
Product notes
5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Single Phase TEFC 208-230V
This motor is a dedicated workhorse for compressor duty. It is TEFC, has a rolled steel shell and IP54 protection, and pulls 28.5-27A at 208-230V single phase. At a rated 1750RPM, it delivers steady torque for continuous air compression. If you need 5 HP on a single-phase circuit and have a 184T frame compressor, this is the motor to build around. The limitation is its purpose and price: at $449.99, it costs far more than the 2 HP motor, and its design focus is narrow - compressor and agricultural use rather than general-purpose or inverter duty. Keep it in that lane and it will be easier to justify the investment.
3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM TEFC 230 / 460 Volt 2 HP General Electric Motor New
This 2 HP three-phase motor is the flexible counterweight to the 5 HP compressor motor. It carries a 56C frame with a C-face and removable base, which simplifies mounting on pumps, gearboxes, or other C-face equipment. The 230/460V three-phase rating lets you match it to an existing three-phase system, and the premium efficiency / inverter rated designation makes it a solid candidate for variable-speed applications. At $175.10, it is the clear lower-priced option - $274.89 below the 5 HP motor. The tradeoff is output: 2 HP cannot drive the same high-demand compressor workload, and it is non-reversible, so it should not be used where you need to spin in both directions. It also requires a three-phase supply or a phase converter.
Final choice by use case
- Single-phase compressor upgrade: Go with the 5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor if you need 5 HP and have 208-230V single-phase service.
- Three-phase shop with a tight budget: The 3 Phase 56C 2 HP motor gives you a lower price, a C-face base, and inverter-rated performance.
- Variable-speed or C-face mounting: The 2 HP motor's C-face and inverter rating make it the better fit.
- High-horsepower agricultural or compressor duty: The 5 HP motor's higher output and compressor-focused design make it the practical choice.
