16.04-1: Wagner 1948 25 Cycle, Single Phase Induction Motor

Description:

An early mid 20th century, 25 cycle, 1/40 th HP shaded pole, single phase induction motor, equipped with rigid base engineered for use on Kelvinator commercial refrigeration fan-coil cooling unit applications, commonly found in walk-in coolers in food stores and small cold storage plants throughout the pre W.W.II years and beyond to frequency standardization. It would help to change the expectations of Canadians about what was at the their local food store Wagner, new and unused, Circa 1948.

Image Gallery (2 Images)

Group:

16.04 Electric Motors - Single Phase, Shaded Pole and Universal

Make:

Wagner

Manufacturer:

Wagner Electric Corporation, Saint Louis Mo.

Model:

BY115A1992

Serial No.:

V

Size:

9 x 6 x 6’h

Weight:

15 lbs.

Circa:

1948

Rating:

Exhibit, education, and research quality, illustrating the engineering and construction of an early mid century, 25 cycle, shaded pole induction motor specifically designed for refrigeration, fan-coil cooling unit applications of the period.

Patent Date/Number:

Provenance:

From York County (York Region) Ontario, once a rich agricultural hinterlands, attracting early settlement in the last years of the 18th century. Located on the north slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, within 20 miles of Toronto, the County would also attract early ex-urban development, to be come a wealthy market place for the emerging household and consumer technologies of the early and mid 20th century.

This artifact was discovered in the 1950’s in the used stock of T. H. Oliver, Refrigeration and Electric Sales and Service, Aurora, Ontario, an early worker in the field of agricultural, industrial and consumer technology.

With original shop tag, T. H. Oliver Engineering Sales and Service, ‘New 25 cycle’..Kelv. coil’’’

Type and Design:

Early mid 20th century, classic, shaded pole induction motor, engineered for fan duty on refrigeration fan-coil evaporator applications 1/40 HP 110 volts, 25 cycle, electrical junction box accommodating metallic flexible cable
Sleeve bearings, sealed Ferro-magnetic body with light weight die cast end bells Large platform steel base for 4 point bolt mounting

Construction:

Material:

Special Features:

With original shop tag, T. H. Oliver Engineering Sales and Service, ‘New 25 cycle’..Kelv. coil’’’

Accessories:

Capacities:

Performance Characteristics:

Operation:

Control and Regulation:

Targeted Market Segment:

Consumer Acceptance:

Merchandising:

Market Price:

Technological Significance:

Exemplifying the relative weight and bulk expected of 25 cycle motor technology of the times, compared with 60 cycle motors which followed frequency standardisation in Canada in the latter 1940’s ‘ see for example ID#312 A new and unused 25 cycle motor left behind at the time of frequency standardisation, it tells the story of one of Canada’s truly remarkable, mega-engineering projects of the 20th century, frequency standardization in Ontario - a massive, multi-million dollar undertaking affecting every corner and crevice of life in Ontario.
The single phase alternating current induction motor has a public face of great simplicity - no commutator, brushes, governor nor switching mechanism to get it started, simply a field winding and solid state [squirrel cage] rotor mounted between two bearings. Its ‘shading pole(s)’ consisting of single turn of wire strategically placed around its pole face(s), is all that is required to start rotation. Yet the shaded pole induction motor is a marvel of early 20th century electrical design engineering. [See Reference No. Chapter XIII, P. 297]

Industrial Significance:

Its low cost and unique speed-torque characteristics made the shaded pole induction motor ideal for small fan applications of 1/20th HP or less. A one-of-a-kind, just-in-time technology, it quickly found a special place in 20th century appliances and electrical equipment, where air circulation and ventilation where imperatives.

Socio-economic Significance:

Socio-cultural Significance:

The shaded pole induction motor quickly became an integral, often unobtrusive, component part of the appliances and equipment that increasingly invaded the Canadian home and place of business starting in the early 20th century. Typically custom engineered as component part of a larger piece equipment to ensure air circulation and ventilation, the shaded pole induction motor has enabled much and in so doing has change much of life for Canadians, as an essential part of our 20th and 21st century technological experience. Of equal significance is the ‘shaded pole synchronous motor’, which made possible the electric clock and a multitude of automatic time controlled devices throughout the 20th century [see for example Group 12.08 and 12.10 control devices]

Donor:

G. Leslie Oliver, The T. H. Oliver HVACR Collection

HHCC Storage Location:

Tracking:

Bibliographic References:

‘Fractional Horsepower Electric Motors’, Cyril Veinott, McGraw Hill New York, 1948, Chapter XIII, P.297 ‘Rewinding Small Motors’, Daniel Braymer and C.C. Roe, McGraw Hill, 1932 ‘A course in Electrical Engineering, Volume II, Alternating Current’, Chester Dawes, McGraw Hill, 1934, Starting single Phase Induction Motors, P. 362. ‘The Fractional Horsepower Motor and its Impact on Canadian Society and Culture’, G. Leslie Oliver, Material History Review, Vol. 43, Journal National Museum of Science and Technology, 1996.

Notes:

Related Reports: