If you're deciding between two Baldor-Reliance industrial motors in the same price bracket, the real question is not which one is "better" - it's which one matches the power source you have available and the environment it will work in. These two new open-box motors share a brand, a 60 Hz rating, and AC current type, but they diverge in phase, enclosure, and speed.
Quick verdict
Both units are listed at USD 275.00, so price does not separate them. The CNM3457 is built for three-phase service with a totally enclosed non-ventilated housing. The RL1324A is built for single-phase service with an open enclosure and a continuous-duty rating. Pick the CNM3457 if three-phase power is available and contaminant protection matters. Pick the RL1324A if your circuit is single-phase and you don't need that level of enclosure.
Listed price and core specs at a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Listed Price Bar | Core Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric Motor | USD 275.00 | 3-phase, 208-230/460V, 3450 RPM, 0.33 HP, TENV | |
| Baldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric Motor | USD 275.00 | single-phase, 115/230V, 1725 RPM, 3/4 HP, open enclosure, NEMA 56 frame |
Where each product wins
The CNM3457 wins for three-phase service. It is the only one of these two with a three-phase input and a totally enclosed non-ventilated housing, which makes it a stronger match for environments with heavy dust, dirt, and light moisture. It also has the higher shaft speed.
The RL1324A wins for single-phase service. It is the only one of these two with a single-phase input and an open enclosure. It brings a NEMA 56 frame, a continuous-duty rating, and 115/230V compatibility, so it fits general-purpose single-phase situations without requiring three-phase power.
Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 3-Phase General-Purpose Industrial AC Electric Motor
Start with this motor if three-phase power is already available. The 0.33 HP rating and enclosed housing are the practical reasons to choose it for dusty or lightly moist environments. It accepts 208-230/460V input and lists full load amps at 1.6-1.4/.7, so the electrical specs are compact enough to match quickly against your existing supply. The limitation is the three-phase requirement: if your facility only has single-phase service, this motor is not the right match. For industrial or commercial setups that already run three-phase equipment, the CNM3457 makes sense as the enclosed-housing option that also gives you the faster shaft speed.
Baldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric Motor
Choose the RL1324A when the available power is single-phase. Its 3/4 HP rating and NEMA 56 frame give it a general-purpose profile, and the open enclosure fits cleaner environments. The trade-off is enclosure protection: it is not designed for heavy dust, dirt, and light moisture the way the 3-phase CNM3457 is. The continuous-duty rating helps if the motor will be asked to run for extended periods, and the 115/230V input makes it a practical single-phase choice. You will also accept the lower shaft speed if you go this route, but for a general-purpose single-phase application that slower speed can be the useful choice.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Baldor-Reliance CNM3457 if your setup runs on three-phase service and you prefer an enclosed motor for a dusty or lightly moist environment.
- Choose the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A if your setup runs on single-phase service and continuous-duty operation is a priority.
