Manufacturers' representative for OEMs since 1983
Manufacturers' representative for OEMs since 1983
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USA-made · Domestic manufacturers
The Back Bay Associates represents domestic (USA) manufacturers of ECM motors, fractional HP electric motors, shaded-pole motors, and permanent magnet DC motors. Since 1983, we've helped HVACR, Food Service Equipment, and industrial OEMs source motors that match their design, duty cycle, and production volumes.
JKReviewed by Jeff Ketterer, CEO/Principal, The Back Bay Associates
We supply motors to OEMs for new equipment. For a replacement ECM motor in an existing furnace or air handler, contact an HVAC supply house.
An ECM (electronically commutated motor) is a brushless DC motor with built-in electronics that control speed and torque. Because those electronics adjust output to demand, ECM motors stay efficient across a wide speed range. Federal furnace fan efficiency standards have driven much of the HVAC industry to switch from PSC to ECM blower motors for exactly that reason.
AC induction, fixed-speed taps
Brushless DC, variable speed
→Federal furnace fan efficiency standards drive the switch
Our supplier/principal’s ECM motors can be programmed in three modes. Choosing the right one is a design decision, not a catalog checkbox.
Constant airflow (constant CFM) raises speed and torque to hold a programmed airflow as static pressure changes. It’s the choice for high-efficiency equipment where airflow has to stay on target.
Programming has to match your blower wheel, commercial HVAC coils and cabinet. That's one reason OEMs source the motor and HVAC blower wheel together through us.
ECM motors are available as standalone ECM fan motors, or as ECM blower motors in complete integrated fan and blower assemblies.
ECM fan motors
Complete fan & blower assemblies
Fractional-horsepower AC motors
Shaded-pole motors, in 3.3-inch and 5-inch diameters
Permanent magnet DC motors
Generator heads, including stator and rotor assemblies
Frame EC integral-horsepower motors for heavy-duty and severe-duty applications.
USA-based production means shorter communication lines and more predictable lead times when you're planning months out.
Tick off what you have ready. The more you send, the faster the quote. We can also supply the run and start capacitors that ship with the motor.
An OEM was evaluating a move from PSC to ECM motors on one of its platforms to reduce overall unit amp draw, which is the logical step given the industry's focus on energy consumption. Back Bay worked with our motor manufacturer to model the tradeoffs and found that, because the unit was already highly efficient and its energy use was minor in the overall application, the upgrade would add cost without meaningful performance gains. The OEM kept a cost-effective motor solution that met every performance goal, and the recommendation strengthened its relationship with both our principal and its own end customer.
A PSC (permanent split capacitor) motor is an AC induction motor that runs at fixed-speed taps, and its airflow decreases as static pressure increases. An ECM uses onboard electronics to vary speed and torque, making it more efficient at partial load and better able to maintain airflow.
A constant-torque ECM maintains constant torque, so airflow drops somewhat as restriction increases. A constant-airflow ECM increases its speed and torque to maintain the programmed airflow level.
It’s a DC motor that uses permanent magnets instead of field windings to create its magnetic field. The result is a compact motor with strong starting torque.
The motor manufacturers we represent produce domestically.
Send the duty cycle and volume. We'll match it to a domestic manufacturer.
Manufacturer's representative for HVACR and Food Service Equipment OEMs since 1983.
