Choosing a 5 HP industrial motor usually starts with two questions: what phase does your equipment expect, and what physical mounting will line up? The four motors here all deliver 5 HP, but they split into single-phase and three-phase designs, standard and high-speed rotation, and different frame sizes. The right choice depends less on budget alone and more on matching the motor to your compressor or driven load.
Quick take
If you are replacing a motor on an existing air compressor, the first filter is phase and mounting. Single-phase motors fit typical residential and light-commercial shops, while three-phase motors usually belong in industrial settings with three-phase power. The second filter is speed: lower RPM motors often drive belt-driven compressors, and higher RPM motors can suit direct-drive or close-coupled setups. Frame size controls whether the motor bolts to your current base. The four motors here spread across these choices, with prices to match.
Prices at a glance
| Motor | Listed price | Relative price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Frame | USD 455.00 | |
| 5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Single Phase TEFC 208-230V | USD 449.99 | |
| 1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 Phase | USD 330.95 | |
| 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8\" Keyed Shaft Single Phase | USD 128.79 |
Decision matrix
- 1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Frame - Choose it when you want a single-phase 184T motor with a direct-replacement fit and a two-year warranty.
- 5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Single Phase TEFC 208-230V - Choose it when you want a single-phase 184T motor with a stated 1,750 RPM and a TEFC housing.
- 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8\" Keyed Shaft Single Phase - Choose it when you need a compact 56-frame single-phase motor running at 3,450 RPM with a 5/8\" keyed shaft.
- 1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 Phase - Choose it when you have three-phase power and want a severe-duty 1,800 RPM motor with dual voltage.
Product notes
1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Frame
At the top of the price range, this motor is the one that leans hardest on replacement fit. It is a 184T frame, 5 HP, single-phase unit for 208-230V with 28.5-27.0 amps, an ODTF enclosure, and steel construction. It is marked as a direct-replacement fitment and carries a two-year manufacturer warranty. Choose it if you want a single-phase 184T motor positioned as a straight swap and you are comfortable with the top price here. The limitation is the cost: the three-phase severe-duty motor sits about $124 lower, and the compact 56-frame motor costs far less.
5HP 1750RPM Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Single Phase TEFC 208-230V
This motor sits just below the most expensive option, but it makes a clear case for that price with a stated 1,750 RPM speed and a totally enclosed fan-cooled housing rated IP54. It is a single-phase 184T motor that runs on 208-230V and pulls 28.5-27.0 amps. The design targets single-stage and two-stage air compressors, with a rolled steel shell. Choose it if you want a single-phase 184T motor with a declared speed and enclosed protection. The limitation is the price: it is only marginally cheaper than the top-priced motor, and the three-phase severe-duty motor undercuts it by about $119.
5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8\" Keyed Shaft Single Phase
The lowest-priced motor in this group takes a completely different approach. It uses a 56 frame instead of the 184T frames found on the other three, runs on single-phase 230V at 3,450 RPM, and has a 5/8\" keyed shaft with reversible rotation. At 46.2 pounds, it is also the lightest motor here. If you need a compact, high-speed single-phase motor for a direct swap on a 56-frame compressor, this is the one that makes that job least expensive. The limitation is the enclosure: it uses an open drip-proof design, so it lacks the totally enclosed fan-cooled protection of the two TEFC motors in this group.
1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 Phase
Priced in the middle of the group, this is the only three-phase motor of the four. It is a severe-duty 184T motor with TEFC/IP55 protection, dual voltage at 230/460V, an 1,800 RPM base speed, and a 1.15 service factor. It accepts bi-directional rotation and weighs 104 pounds. Choose it if your shop already runs three-phase power and you want a sealed, heavy-duty motor for pumps, compressors, conveyors, or other continuous equipment. The limitation is the power supply: it will not run on a standard single-phase circuit, so it only fits facilities with three-phase service.
Final recommendation by use case
Start with your power phase. Single-phase shops get a choice between the direct-fit 184T motor and the 1,750 RPM TEFC version; if you need a high-speed compact motor on a 56 frame, the 3,450 RPM model with a 5/8\" keyed shaft is the least expensive route. Three-phase shops should target the severe-duty 1,800 RPM 184T motor, which also offers dual voltage. That gives you a clear decision path without juggling all four.
