Choosing an industrial motor is a three-part decision: how much power the job demands, what electrical supply is available in your shop, and how hostile the environment around the motor is. These two motors sit on opposite ends of that trade-off. The General Electric 2 HP motor is built for three-phase muscle in a fully enclosed frame, while the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A is a lighter single-phase unit with an open design. The right one depends less on the brand and more on your power source and workload.
Quick Verdict
If you have three-phase power and need to drive heavier equipment, the GE 2 HP motor at $175.10 is the stronger pick. It delivers more than twice the horsepower at a list price about $100 lower. If your shop runs on single-phase and your jobs stay light, the Baldor-Reliance at $275.00 is the practical choice, especially with its continuous-duty rating.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GE 2 HP | Baldor-Reliance RL1324A |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $175.10 | $275.00 |
| Price bar | ||
| Horsepower | 2 HP | 3/4 HP |
| Phase | Three-phase | Single-phase |
| Voltage | 230/460V | 115/230V |
| Base RPM | 1750 | 1725 |
| Enclosure | TEFC (totally enclosed fan-cooled) | Open |
| Frame | 56C | NEMA 56 |
| Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Where Each Motor Wins
- Power and protection: The GE 2 HP motor wins on raw horsepower and its TEFC housing, which keeps dust and particles away from internal components.
- Price: The GE is listed at $175.10, about $99.90 lower than the Baldor-Reliance.
- Single-phase compatibility: The Baldor-Reliance is the one that runs on 115/230V single-phase, making it suitable for shops without three-phase service.
- Continuous-duty rating: The Baldor-Reliance is rated for continuous duty, so it can handle long runtimes in lighter applications.
Motor Notes
GE 2 HP Three-Phase TEFC Motor
Choose the GE when you have three-phase power and need serious torque. Its 2 HP rating more than doubles the Baldor's output, and the TEFC enclosure keeps dust and debris away from the windings. The 56C frame with C-face and removable base gives mounting flexibility, and the Class F insulation and inverter rating are built for harder use. The catch is that it's strictly a three-phase motor: you need 230/460V three-phase supply, so it won't drop into a typical single-phase panel. At $175.10, it's also the lower-priced option, which makes it the better value for three-phase shops. Just be sure your power source matches before you wire it.
Baldor-Reliance RL1324A
Go with the Baldor-Reliance when your electrical supply is single-phase and your work is light to moderate. It runs on 115/230V, so it fits most standard shop panels, and its continuous-duty rating means it's happy running for long stretches. With a speed of 1725 RPM on a NEMA 56 frame, it fits standard 56-frame setups. The trade-off is its 3/4 HP output and open enclosure. That open design needs a cleaner environment because airborne particles can get into the motor. At $275.00, you're paying more for the convenience of single-phase operation.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Choose the GE 2 HP motor if you have three-phase power, need more than 1 HP, and want a TEFC enclosure for dusty or dirty shop air.
- Choose the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A if your shop is single-phase, the workload is light, and you need a motor that can run continuously.
