Differences between API 541, API 547, and IEEE 841 in the petrochemical industry

Source:WEIMA Electric Release time:2025-08-14 16:36:35 Clicks: 0

Differences between API 541, API 547, and IEEE 841, the US petrochemical industry motor standards


IEEE 841-2021: For ultra-high-efficiency, heavy-duty, fully enclosed, low-voltage squirrel-cage induction motors for the petrochemical industry, with a power range of 0.75 kW to 370 kW (1 hp to 500 hp).


API 541 and API 547: For high-voltage motors for the petrochemical industry. The specific differences between the two are as follows:

Standard FeaturesAPI-541 4st EditionAP1-547 1st Edition
Power500HP and above250HP to 3000HP
Frequency50Hz and 60Hz50Hz and 60Hz
Voltages2300V through 13,200V2300V through 13,200V (Dual voltage onlyfor 2300V/4000V)
Poles2 and higher4,6, and 8 (2 pole for 800HP and below intotally enclosed enclosure or 1250HP andbelow for WPll enclosures)
Available Starting methodsDirect on line (DOL) or Variable FrequencyDrive (VFD)Direct on line (DOL)
Service Factor11
WindingForm WoundForm Wound
Locked Rotor Current Limit650%650%
lEC and NEMA designsCast iron or fabricated steel frame materialdepending on frame size and enclosure se.lectionCast iron or fabricated steel frame materialdepending on frame size and enclosureselection
VibrationAP1-541 4th Edition vibration limitsAP1-547 1st Edition vibration limits
Noise levels85dB(A) at 1 m under no load85dB(A) at 1 m under no load
EnclosuresDPG, TEFC,WPI.WPII, TEAAC, and TEWACTEFC or WPII
Hazardous Area ClassificationsSafe, Exn, Exp, or ExdExn or Exp
Insulation SystemSealed VPl insulation systemSealed VPl insulation system
Protection RatingIP-55 protection ratingIP-55 protection rating
Sleeve BearingsAntifriction bearings available for smaller frame sizes and vertical motors; Provisions folBently Nevada series 3300 proximity probeson sleeve bearingsAntifriction bearings available for smallerframe sizes and vertical motors
Labyrinth SealsTaconite labyrinth sealsTaconite labyrinth seals
BearingsBoth bearings insulated and a groundingstrap or brush on the DEBoth bearings insulated and agrounding strap or brush on the DE
Resistance TemperatureDevic (RTDs)2 per winding and 1 per bearing2 per winding and 1 per bearing
Space heaterSingle voltage only for hazardous areasSingle voltage only for hazardous areas
HardwareStainless SteelStainless Steel
Rotor CoreC5 quality rotor core laminationsC5 quality rotor core laminations
RotorCopper Bar rotor1000HP and below = Die Cast Aluminum;above 1000HP=Copper Bar rotor
Air Filters
Air Filters for WPll enclosures
PaintWEG 212E paint plan for extremeconditionsWEG 212E paint plan for extremeconditions
Testing IncludedUn-witnessed Routine APi-541 4th EditionTestingUn-witnessed Routine API-547 1st EditionTesting


Phone Number
Inquiry Form
E-Mail