ABB Expands Baldor-Reliance SP4 Motor Line with Shaft-Grounded Models for Enhanced Bearing Protection
August 28, 2025
• Integrated shaft-grounding ring for bearing protection
• NEMA Super Premium® (IE4)* efficiency
• Flexible configurations
ABB continues to help companies increase motor efficiency by as much as 20% by expanding the ABB Baldor-Reliance® SP4 motor™ line.
The release of the newest Baldor-Reliance SP4 motor variant featuring integrated shaft grounding technology marks the fourth phase of the ABB SP4 platform. Designed specifically for variable speed drive (VSD) applications, SP4 shaft ground motors offer superior protection against electrical discharge damage, extending motor life and reducing costly downtime.
This product line extension reinforces ABB’s commitment to innovation, efficiency and reliability in industrial motor solutions. Built on the proven SP4 platform, the new models combine NEMA Super Premium (IE4) efficiency with advanced bearing protection in a rolled steel frame – an industry first.
Key features and benefits
- Integrated shaft-grounding ring – Redirects harmful shaft currents away from bearings, preventing premature wear.
- NEMA Super Premium efficiency – Achieves IE4 performance without magnets or rare earth materials, reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
- Flexible configurations – Available in 2, 4 and 6 pole; 1–10 Hp TEFC and 1–20 Hp ODP enclosures with footed and footless designs for drop-in replacement compatibility for DOL or VSD operation.
- Durability and reliability – Cooler operation extends component life; backed by a four-year warranty.
ABB’s SP4 shaft ground motors deliver IE4 efficiency and integrated shaft grounding in a rolled steel frame using standard AC induction technology. This unique combination positions ABB as the market leader in energy-efficient, VSD-compatible motor solutions. The SP4 shaft-grounded motor is ideal for HVACR and pumping systems, manufacturing facilities and any VSD-driven load at risk of bearing current damage.
ABB previously introduced three different models with SP4 technology: cast iron severe duty, rolled steel open drip proof and rolled steel totally enclosed fan cooled motors. All SP4 models are available in standard or C-face, and rolled steel versions are available in footed or footless configuraions.
“Operators shouldn’t have to choose between high efficiency and bearing protection,” said Brandon Canclini, Global Product Manager, ABB. “ABB’s SP4 shaft-grounded motors delivering both in one reliable, cost-effective solution.”
The SP4 product line builds on the simplicity of ABB’s proven AC induction motors and features a range of durable motors tailored to meet diverse applications. The idea is simple: Take a proven AC induction motor design and make it better by reducing motor losses by an average of 20 percent while maintaining the simplicity, form, fit and function of today‘s installed base of AC induction motors. With more than 80 percent of industrial electric motors operating direct on line (DOL) – without using a drive to improve efficiency – SP4 represents ABB’s commitment to improving efficiency and performance without requiring customers to make significant investments in additional technology or components.
As a standalone DOL unit, SP4 achieves NEMA Super Premium efficiency; however, when paired with a variable speed drive, even higher efficiency levels are attainable. These motors are compatible with pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors and are ideal for all industries. Launched in 2024, SP4 motors are available in severe-duty cast-iron motors covering a power range of 25 to 300 horsepower, and general-purpose rolled-steel models available in ¼ to 20 horsepower. SP4 is ABB’s solution for a more sustainable and efficient future driven by the need to reduce energy consumption.
Forty-five percent of the world’s electricity is converted by electric motors into motion, and there are more than 300 million industrial electric-driven systems in operations worldwide. As the cost of electricity continues to grow – along with the demand for electricity driven by population growth and new technologies – ABB will remain at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability by embedding circularity in products and solutions, offering lifetime services and investing in new business models to reduce waste, increase recycling and foster reusability.
*NEMA Super Premium efficiency is generally comparable to IE4 efficiency for AC induction motors operated direct on line (DOL) as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
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