
What is an X13 HVAC motor?
X13 is a brand name for the Regal Beloit/Genteq brand of constant torque motors; there are other manufacturers that make them, but the term “X13” has become pretty much synonymous with the fractional horsepower HVAC constant torque motor. Also, this article is specifically discussing the common residential/light commercial motors.
What is a Genteq X13?
GENTEQ X13™ Motors, or ECM Constant Torque Motors, were previously only available through OEM. The Genteq X13 motor is a high-efficiency motor that help manufacturers meet the 13 SEER mandate implemented by the federal government in 2006 (hence, the branding name of X13).
What is the difference between variable speed and X13 Motors?
The Difference Between Variable Speed and X13 Motors. Both are more efficient than the typical PSC motor with ECM motors commonly being about 80% efficient and PSC being about 60%. Both X13 and variable speed motors are DC, 3 phase, permanent magnet rotor motors that use back EMF to determine motor torque and adjust to load conditions.
What should I do if my ECM or X13 motor isn't running?
Here is the general process to follow when checking an ECM and X13 motor that isn't running. Most of them are very common practices you would follow with any motor: Check for proper line voltage and 24v calls to the proper terminals in the equipment. Check for proper control signal entering the motor from the 24v field wiring or boards.

What is the difference between X13 and ECM?
The X13™ adjusts its speed (High, Medium High, Medium, Medium Low, Low) based on changes to static pressure by only monitoring changes in torque. This 'standard ECM' motor is much more efficient than PSC motors, but less efficient when compared to ECM variable speed motors.
Is X13 an ECM motor?
Both variable speed and X13 motors are ECM or “electronically commutated motors,” which means that the DC power that drives them is electronically switched from positive to negative to spin the motor.
How do I know if my X13 blower motor?
2:248:07ECM X13 Blower Motor Troubleshooting! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you want to go ahead and keep that tap all in there and just make sure that it's that theMoreSo if you want to go ahead and keep that tap all in there and just make sure that it's that the blower motor is not ramping up and then ramping down because that would be a signal.
What is the difference between an ECM motor and a variable speed motor?
What Is The Difference Between Variable Speed And ECM Motors? The largest difference between variable speed motors and ECM motors is that a variable speed motor is much more efficient. While ECM motors are efficient enough to be legally acceptable, they still have certain limitations.
What are the different types of ECM motors?
There are three types of ECM motors: constant cfm, constant rpm, and constant torque.
Why do ECM blower motors fail?
A major cause of failure occurs when a blower is applied to an application with static pressure above . 8” WG. This not only shortens the life of an ECM, but also a PSC. With an ECM this will cause a failure of the metal oxide varistor (MOV), a disk in the controller.
Can an ECM motor be repaired?
Don't toss ECM Motors! You can repair many GE (Regal-Beloit) ECM motor modules that have been damaged by voltage problems and power surges. The repair Kit requires the use of a soldering gun (or iron) and rosin-core (for electronic use) solder.
How do you test a ECM blower motor?
3:575:41Fast Easy ECM FAN MOTOR Troubleshooting! ECM ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see we have a jumper wire on this gray wire. And so we can just jump right over to our rMoreAnd you can see we have a jumper wire on this gray wire. And so we can just jump right over to our r. And as you can see right down here gray means fan. So you see we're measuring 29 volts.
What is an ECM blower motor?
The term "Variable Speed" actually refers to the blower motor inside the furnace or air handler. It's an Electronically commutated motor, or (ECM). ECM's are DC motors that function using a built-in inverter and a magnet rotor, and as a result are able to achieve greater efficiency than most AC motors.
Can you put a VFD on an ECM motor?
A VFD is a type of electronic controller which is used to give an induction motor (usually a larger, 3 phase motor) improved controllability and part-load performance. Although VFD electronics are similar to those of an EC motor controller, the software is quite different and the two are not interchangeable.
Does a variable speed furnace run all the time?
Variable speed furnaces have an air handler that operates at many different speeds depending on the demand for air at any given time. A variable speed air handler runs almost all the time, albeit typically at a low setting that is much quieter than the higher setting that's used during heating cycles.
Does a ECM motor require a capacitor?
The ECM is one way of saving on energy costs. One of the characteristics of the ECM is that they do not require adding an external run or start capacitor.
How do you test a x13 motor?
6:297:36Troubleshooting an X13 Blower Motor Step By Step! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike that right so that x13 motor is good all right we check for the 24 volt signal we know it has aMoreLike that right so that x13 motor is good all right we check for the 24 volt signal we know it has a minor 20 volt signal we discard it like on the controller.
What is a variable speed blower motor?
A variable speed blower motor can operate at various speeds to precisely control the amount of airflow throughout your home. In the winter, a variable speed blower motor may alleviate the “cold air blow” often associated with single speed furnaces or air handlers.
What is the difference between constant torque and variable speed?
As the speed changes, the load torque remains constant and the horsepower changes linearly with speed. Constant torque loads cause motors to draw relatively high current at low speeds when compared to variable torque applications.
How do you test a ECM motor?
3:575:41Fast Easy ECM FAN MOTOR Troubleshooting! ECM Blower ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see we have a jumper wire on this gray wire. And so we can just jump right over to our rMoreAnd you can see we have a jumper wire on this gray wire. And so we can just jump right over to our r. And as you can see right down here gray means fan. So you see we're measuring 29 volts.
What is the difference between X13 and variable speed motors?
Both X13 and variable-speed motors are DC (or alternating DC, if you prefer), three-phase, permanent-magnet rotor motors that use back EMF to determine motor torque and adjust to load conditions. The primary difference is the type of inputs to the motor control. A variable-speed motor is programmed for a specific piece of equipment ...
What is the difference between X13 and X13?
The Difference Between Variable Speed and X13 Motors. First, let's cover the basics. X13 is a brand name for the Regal Beloit/Genteq brand of constant torque motors; there are other manufacturers that make them, but the term “X13” has become pretty much synonymous with the fractional horsepower HVAC constant torque motor.
What is a PSC motor?
In residential and light commercial HVAC, we work primarily with PSC (permanent split capacitor) motors. However, it is good to be aware of some other types. PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) A common medium torque single phase motor with a run capacitor always in the circuit. This type makes up the…
Is X13 a PSC or ECM?
Both variable speed and X13 motors are ECM or “electronically commutated motors,” which means that the DC power that drives them is electronically switched from positive to negative to spin the motor. Both are more efficient than the typical PSC motor, with ECM motors commonly being about 80% efficient and PSC being about 60%.
Is X13 more efficient than PSC?
That means that while an X13 motor is more efficient than a PSC motor and does a better job of ramping up to overcome static pressure increase, it does not have the level of control that a variable speed has.
What is X13 motor?
First, let's cover the basics. X13 is a brand name for the Regal Beloit/Genteq brand of constant torque motors; there are other manufacturers that make them, but the term "X13" has become pretty much synonymous with the fractional horsepower HVAC constant torque motor . Also, this article is specifically discussing the…
How many ohms should a motor resist?
Measure winding to winding on the plug feeding the motor (called phase to phase below). Resistances should be less than 20 oh ms and nearly the same between all phases/windings. Measure from each winding to ground on the casing, and you should see no less than 100k ohms to ground.
Why does my motor cycle on and off?
firmware, depending on the controls temperature, may cause the motor to cycle on and off. The
What happens to motors that have been replaced within the serial number range?
Motors that have been replaced within the serial number range needs to be discarded. Each set of
Is the X13 worth a penny?
yea the x13 aren't worth a penny, ive converted some back to standard motors on tempstar and goodman units, when the homeowner realize how much the ecm would be. A standard motor and a couple relays. I can get the job done for half of what the ecm motor costs me. (All these units are out of warranty by the way)