A motor with a higher service factor can do what?

The service factor of a motor indicates its capacity to handle overloads beyond its rated power. A higher service factor implies that the motor can sustain a higher load for longer periods without incurring damage compared to motors with a lower service factor. This means that when faced with conditions that exceed its rated output, a motor with a high service factor is engineered to withstand such stresses, thereby reducing the risk of failure or damage during overload situations.

This characteristic allows for greater flexibility in applications where occasional overload may occur, which can be common in various industrial settings. While the ability to operate at lower temperatures, require less maintenance, or have a longer lifespan may be desirable traits influenced by other factors, it is the enhanced capacity to withstand overloads that is directly related to a motor's service factor.