MRO Field Guide

Single-Phase or Three-Phase? Four Industrial Motors Compared, $144-$455

Choosing an industrial motor comes down to incoming power, frame size, and load. Compare a 3/4 HP single-phase 56C motor, a 2 HP three-phase TEFC 56C motor, a 5 HP three-phase severe-duty 184T motor, and a 5 HP single-phase 184T compressor motor.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Quick Take

Choosing an industrial motor is rarely about raw power alone. You also need the right phase, frame, and enclosure for the machine it will drive. These four listings span 3/4 HP to 5 HP, so the real challenge is not finding a motor-it is finding the motor that matches your electrical service and your existing equipment.

Quick take: The low-price entry point is the 3/4 HP single-phase motor at $144.06; the high-price listing is the 5 HP single-phase compressor motor at $455.00. Between them are a 5 HP three-phase severe-duty motor and a 2 HP three-phase 56C motor.

Listed Prices at a Glance

The absolute spread from $144.06 to $455.00 is $310.94. The bars show where each listed price sits in that range.

MotorListed PricePrice Bar
115V/230V 3/4 HP Single Phase 56C Motor$144.06
2 HP General Electric Motor, 3 Phase, 56C Frame, 1800 RPM$176.80
1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor, 184T Frame, Severe Duty 3 Phase$330.95
1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor 184T Frame$455.00

Decision Matrix

  • Single-phase light duty: If you have 115/230V single-phase power and need a compact motor for a pump, fan, or light shop machine, the 3/4 HP 1725 rpm 56C motor is the small-footprint option.
  • Single-phase compressor duty: If you need 5 HP from a single-phase supply, the 184T air compressor motor with 208-230V wiring is the direct-fit direction.
  • Three-phase general duty: The 5 HP 184T severe-duty motor with 230/460V wiring is built for heavier industrial loads.
  • Three-phase moderate load: For a 56C-frame application with lighter horsepower needs, the 2 HP motor with C-face removable base is the balanced choice.

Product Notes

1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 Phase

1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 Phase

This 5 HP three-phase motor is built around a 184T NEMA Design B frame and a 1-1/8-inch keyed shaft. The TEFC/IP55 enclosure helps it resist dust and water spray, while Class F insulation and a 1.15 service factor give it room to handle 25% overloads. The 230/460V dual-voltage wiring is useful when shop voltage changes. Choose it when you need a severe-duty workhorse for pumps, conveyors, or compressors and already have three-phase power. The obvious trade-off is that it will not run from a single-phase panel, and the 104-pound weight and 184T frame are part of the package.

115V/230V 3/4 HP Electric Motor Single Phase 1725 rpm 5/8'' shaft 56C Frame

115V/230V 3/4 HP Electric Motor Single Phase 1725 rpm 5/8'' shaft 56C Frame

This is the only single-phase 3/4 HP motor in this group. Rated 115/230V and 1725 rpm, it uses a 56C frame with a 5/8-inch keyed shaft, draws 11.0/5.5 full-load amps, and is reversible. The TEFC enclosure, IP55 rating, and 1.15 service factor make it suitable for many small pumps, fans, and light shop machines. The limitation is scale: at 3/4 HP it will not drive a 5 HP compressor or any heavy continuous load. If you need a compact motor with a 56C frame, this is the smallest single-phase choice here.

1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Frame

1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T Frame

The 184T frame, 5 HP, and single-phase 208-230V wiring make this motor the natural fit for a compressor replacement. Listed amperage of 28.5-27.0 A, steel construction, a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and a direct-replacement fitment add to the practical story. It is the only motor here with a single-phase 5 HP rating, so it solves the problem the three-phase motors cannot. The catch is the ODTF enclosure: unlike a totally enclosed motor, this open drip-proof design is better suited to compressor rooms than dusty or spray-heavy work areas.

2 HP General Electric Motor 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM TEFC 230 / 460 Volt New

2 HP General Electric Motor 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM TEFC 230 / 460 Volt New

This 2 HP three-phase motor comes in a 56C frame with C-face removable base. It is fan-cooled, TEFC, rated for inverter duty, and uses Class F insulation and a 1.15 service factor; the dual 230/460V wiring suits three-phase shops. The small 56C footprint makes it a practical choice for light conveyors, pumps, and machine tools. The limitation is horsepower: 2 HP is a step down from the 5 HP motors here, and it still needs a three-phase supply. If your load is modest and a 56C mount fits, this is a balanced middle ground.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

If you are replacing a compressor motor and have single-phase power, the 5 HP 184T ODTF motor is the direct replacement to start with. If your shop has three-phase power and needs a general-purpose severe-duty motor, the 5 HP 184T gives you the most headroom. For lighter three-phase work, the 2 HP 56C motor is a balanced fit. If you only need a small single-phase motor for a fan, pump, or light machine, the 3/4 HP 56C motor is the compact option.

Products in this article
1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 PhaseUSD 330.95View on eBay115V/230V 3/4 HP Electric Motor Single Phase 1725 rpm 5/8'' shaft 56C FrameUSD 144.06View on eBay1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T FrameUSD 455.00View on eBay2 HP General Electric Motor 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM TEFC 230 / 460 Volt NewUSD 176.80View on eBay
1800 RPM 5 HP Electric Motor 184T Frame TEFC 230/460V Severe Duty 3 PhaseUSD 330.95View on eBay115V/230V 3/4 HP Electric Motor Single Phase 1725 rpm 5/8'' shaft 56C FrameUSD 144.06View on eBay1 Piece 5 HP Single Phase Industrial Air Compressor Electric Motor 184T FrameUSD 455.00View on eBay2 HP General Electric Motor 3 Phase 56C Frame 1800 RPM TEFC 230 / 460 Volt NewUSD 176.80View on eBay

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