08/21/2025
The U.S. Department of Energy reports HVACR systems account for as much as 40% of energy use in commercial buildings, with space heating, cooling and ventilation driving most of the consumption. This makes energy efficiency a top priority for facility managers and OEMs alike. ABB, a NEMA motor manufacturer, engineered the Baldor-Reliance GNEM motor solution to answer this need.
The Baldor-Reliance GNEM motor is engineered to meet the diverse needs of industrial applications worldwide. These motors offer a unique combination of global compatibility, energy efficiency and robust construction, making them an ideal choice for original equipment manufacturers and end users operating across international markets.
“ABB recognized that facility teams around the world needed a smarter approach to managing HVACR systems and general-purpose applications, so our team engineered the Baldor-Reliance GNEM motor to meet this demand,” said Bevan Christiansen, Global Segment Manager-Air Handling, ABB. “By unifying multiple applications into one global platform, GNEM provides a larger return on investment for OEMs and facility managers.”
The GNEM motor is a high-performance, durable solution optimized for variable speed drive applications. With dual frequency support and a broad tri-voltage range, it operates seamlessly across a wide range of configurations without modifications.
The motor supports NEMA frame sizes from 56 to 286T, covering broad system requirements, enabling users to simplify inventory with a universal solution that meets diverse operational requirements across global markets. Available in rugged rolled steel or durable cast-iron frames, and with a choice of open drip proof (ODP) (IP22) or totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) (IP44) enclosures, GNEM motors offer flexibility, reliability and long service life.
Designed to operate seamlessly on both 50 Hz and 60 Hz power supplies, GNEM motors support tri-voltage configurations (208–230/460V at 60 Hz and 190/380V at 50 Hz), ensuring adaptability across diverse regions and power systems. It’s available in power ratings from 1 to 20 horsepower (hp), covering NEMA frame sizes 56 through 286T, to suit a broad spectrum of industrial applications. GNEM motors are offered in both ODP and TEFC enclosures, in general purpose or HVACR (shaft grounded) configurations, with rugged cast iron frames built to withstand demanding operating conditions. They are compliant with global Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) including NEMA Premium efficiency (IE3), ensuring energy savings, lower operating costs and environmental compliance in both domestic and international markets.
GNEM motors are designed for use with variable speed drives. HVACR models are available with a factory-installed shaft grounding brush to help mitigate bearing currents and extend motor life under inverter-duty operation. CE, CSA and UL Recognized (UR) certifications support global acceptance and ensure compliance with key safety and regulatory standards.
Its universal design reduces the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) needed by supporting a wide range of applications under a single part number. This simplifies maintenance, speeds repair periods, increases uptime and streamlines sourcing, allowing facilities to reduce both cost and complexity.
About ABB
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. For more information, visit https://global.abb/group/en.
