Service Factor (SF) (Electric Motor)

A number usually found on a motor nameplate that indicates how much above the nameplate rating a motor can be loaded without causing serious degradation. (Example: A 1.15 SF can produce 15% greater torque than the 1.0 SF rating of the same motor). Or, when applied to motors or gearmotors, a figure of merit used to adjust measured loads in an attempt to compensate for conditions that are difficult to measure or define. Typically, measured loads are multiplied by service factors (experience factors) and the result is an equivalent-required torque rating of a motor or gearmotor.