A.O. Smith B2984 OR Emerson EB984

[tony007]

The old single speed motor is dead. I would like to replace the failed motor with a two-speed motor.

Original pump:
WhisperFlo WFEDS-8C attached with A.O.Smith SQ1152 48Y 1.5HP 230V

I was told, the WhisperFlo pump was originally designed for a 2-speed 2 HP full-rated pump. I should replace the motor with AOSmith B2984.

My questions are:
1) Can I use Emerson EB984? both brands have same output, but look different, I guess different working mechanisms

2) If both motors fit to the pump, which brand is more durable?

3) According to the whisperflo pump curves, 1.5/0.19 HP pump has fairly comparable performence with 2/0.25HP pump. What is the drawback if I use 1.5/0.19HP motor instead of the supposed 2/0.25HP motor?

Thanks all.

 

[Isaac-1]

I have always heard Emerson motors are better quality than A.O. Smith, but I don't have any facts to back that up, I know they tend to cost more.

 

[Bama Rambler]

You have to make sure that you match the frame and the SFHP. You can use a higher SFHP motor than original but you still have to match the frame. For 2-speed motor you match the high speed SFHP.

 

[mas985]

I have always heard Emerson motors are better quality than A.O. Smith, but I don't have any facts to back that up, I know they tend to cost more.

My impression has been the exact opposite. From what I can tell, most OEM motors are A.O. Smith and you see Emerson on only the lower end pumps. But in reality most motor failures are due to the seal failing and the bearings rusting which really has nothing to do with the motor.

1) Can I use Emerson EB984? both brands have same output, but look different, I guess different working mechanisms

The original motor is a 1.5 HP full rated 48y. The AO Smith and Emerson are 2 HP uprated 56Y motors which have a slightly larger diameter. However, either one can be used on the Whisperflo wet end by remove the rear spacer. Also, the number for the AO Smith is the high efficiency E-plus which is going to cost a little less to run than the Emerson but cost more to buy. Here are the choices:

A.O.Smith SQ1152 48Y (OEM motor, 1.5 HP Full Rated) - http://www.swimmingpoolsetc.com/aosmith ... sq1152.htm
A.O.Smith B983 56Y (standard efficiency) , 1.5 HP Full Rated)- http://www.swimmingpoolsetc.com/aosmith ... r-b983.htm
A.O.Smith B2984 56Y (high efficiency, 2 HP Up Rated) - http://www.swimmingpoolsetc.com/opt-5283-5
Emerson EB984 (standard efficiency, 2 HP Up Rated) - http://www.swimmingpoolsetc.com/emerson ... -eb984.htm

2) If both motors fit to the pump, which brand is more durable?

I believe AO Smith is but as you can see from above, there is a difference of opinions.

3) According to the whisperflo pump curves, 1.5/0.19 HP pump has fairly comparable performance with 2/0.25HP pump. What is the drawback if I use 1.5/0.19HP motor instead of the supposed 2/0.25HP motor?

It is the impeller which sets the head curve, not the motor. If you downsize just the motor without downsizing the impeller, it will fail fairly quickly. But if you are comparing a 1.5 HP full rated motor with a 2 HP up rated motor, then they will be exactly the same. THP (label HP * service factor) needs to be greater than or equal to the old motor.

 

[tony007]

guys here are super! Thanks for answering my questions!