MRO Field Guide

Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 Review: A TENV 3-Phase Motor for Dusty Shops?

This Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 review examines the TENV design, 0.33 HP output, 3450 RPM speed, and open-box condition to see if it's the right three-phase motor for dusty shops.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Choosing an industrial motor often comes down to a single question: can it keep working in the environment where it will be installed? For shops where dust, dirt, and light moisture are constants, a motor with exposed vents can clog and overheat. The Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 addresses this with a Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated (TENV) housing, but it also brings a specific power output and an open-box status that need to be considered first.

Quick verdict: For a 0.33 HP, 3450 RPM, three-phase application that runs at one speed, the Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 has the right protective design. The TENV enclosure means no fan openings for contaminants to clog, so it fits dusty or lightly damp environments. It isn't a high-power motor, and the unit is sold as new open-box, so focus on whether the specs match your machine.

Who it suits: This motor is intended for facilities with 208-230/460 V three-phase service. It works well in single-speed setups like small conveyors, exhaust fans, grinders, or light machinery that demand 3450 RPM at 60 Hz. If your prior motor struggled in a contaminated environment, the CNM3457's enclosed body is a meaningful difference.

Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric Motor

Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric Motor

The CNM3457 is listed at USD 275.00. It produces 0.33 HP from a three-phase, 60 Hz supply, with a base speed of 3450 RPM. It accepts 208-230/460 V and draws 1.6-1.4/0.7 full-load amps depending on the wiring. The Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated enclosure is the standout feature: no cooling fins or fan openings to collect dust, so the motor can operate in areas with heavy dust, dirt, and light moisture. The dual-voltage rating adds flexibility for different shop power layouts, and it is made in the United States.

Why it fits: The TENV design is the clearest advantage. Instead of pulling contaminated air through itself to cool, the motor sheds heat through its sealed body, which keeps internal components safe from debris. The 3450 RPM output matches many direct-drive machines, and the voltage options let you connect according to your service.

Limits to keep in mind: At 0.33 HP, this is a light-duty motor. It cannot drive a large pump, compressor, or heavy machine tool. The design is centered on single-speed operation, so if you need variable speed, you'll have to add controls. The open-box condition is a practical point: the motor is new, but the package has been opened, which may affect your expectations about packaging but not the motor itself.

Bottom line: The Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 is a focused tool for a specific role: a dusty or lightly moist environment that needs a 0.33 HP, three-phase motor at 3450 RPM. Its TENV enclosure is a concrete benefit, and the listed specifications are a clear match for light single-speed jobs. If that's your need, it's a well-aligned purchase. For anything heavier, this motor is not the right fit.

Products in this article
Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric MotorUSD 275.00View on eBay
Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric MotorUSD 275.00View on eBay

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