Choosing the right industrial motor comes down to two questions: what power do you have, and what job do you need done? The Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S and the Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor answer those questions in opposite ways, and the price spread between them makes the decision meaningful.
Quick verdict
Pick the Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S when the job calls for a compact industrial motor. Pick the Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor when you need a high-speed compressor motor.
Price and specification comparison
| Feature | Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S | Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $375.00 | $141.88 |
| AC phase | Three phase | Single phase |
| Input voltage | 208-230/460V | 230V |
| Base RPM | 1755 | 3450 |
| Horsepower | 1.5 hp | 5 hp |
| Frame | 56C | 56 |
| Enclosure | TEFC | ODP |
| Motor type | Synchronous | Induction/Asynchronous |
Where each motor wins
The Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S wins where voltage flexibility matters. Its multi-voltage input range makes it adaptable for industrial equipment with different supply voltages. The Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor wins where compressor duty matters. It delivers high-speed rotation and a keyed-shaft design, with dual rotation directions as a useful extra.
Product notes
Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S Industrial Electric Motor
The Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S is a three-phase motor rated at 1.5 hp with a base speed of 1755 RPM and a 56C frame. It accepts 208-230/460V, giving you flexibility across different three-phase supply voltages. The TEFC enclosure is a plus for industrial locations where a totally enclosed fan-cooled motor is preferred. It is listed in new open-box condition. Choose it when you need a compact, lower-horsepower motor and have three-phase power available. The main limitation is that 1.5 hp is well below the compressor motor's output, so it is not intended for heavy compressor duty.
Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 5/8\" Keyed Shaft 230V 3450RPM
The Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor is built for high-speed compressor work, with 5 hp at 3450 RPM and a 230V input. It includes a 5/8-inch keyed shaft and a 1.88-inch shaft length, plus CW/CCW rotation capacity with a factory setting of CCW. The ODP enclosure allows cooling airflow, and the motor uses a 56 frame. If you need a single-phase motor that can drive a 5 hp compressor and turn at 3450 RPM, this is the more direct option. Its trade-off is the open drip-proof enclosure, which is not a totally enclosed design, and the motor's 230V input rating.
Final choice by use case
For a general industrial application that needs a compact motor, choose the Baldor-Reliance VBM3554-S. For an air compressor project that needs high-speed output, choose the Single Phase 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor. Let the comparison table guide you to the right match for your wiring and workload.
