1/2 Vs 3/4 HP Motors
Norge only used 1/2 HP motors on their large washers from about 1964 till sometime in the 70s when they started calling the same size washer 20 pound capacity.
When Norge came out with their big washer they called it a 15# machine, then soon the called it a 16# capacity, then it jumped to 18#s.
Several washer makers in the US were in a capacity race and I guess that NORGE was going to win when they again relabeled their washer again this time jumping from 18 to 20 pounds. The washer was so over stuffed with 20 pounds of clothing that motor would overheat and trip the overload with that much in it. So they they actually had to put a 3/4 HP motor in the machine to get a UL approval.
Hi Todd, but in answer to your question some 1/2 HP motors are interchangeable with the 3/4 HP motors, it depends on the age of the washer and motor as they changed their wiring a little over the span of these washers. And the 1/2 HP motor will work just fine and draw less power and you will have less likelihood of burned up timer and pressure switch contacts [ unless you want to try stuffing 20 pounds of clothing in your washer ] LOL
John L.
Norge only used 1/2 HP motors on their large washers from about 1964 till sometime in the 70s when they started calling the same size washer 20 pound capacity.
When Norge came out with their big washer they called it a 15# machine, then soon the called it a 16# capacity, then it jumped to 18#s.
Several washer makers in the US were in a capacity race and I guess that NORGE was going to win when they again relabeled their washer again this time jumping from 18 to 20 pounds. The washer was so over stuffed with 20 pounds of clothing that motor would overheat and trip the overload with that much in it. So they they actually had to put a 3/4 HP motor in the machine to get a UL approval.
Hi Todd, but in answer to your question some 1/2 HP motors are interchangeable with the 3/4 HP motors, it depends on the age of the washer and motor as they changed their wiring a little over the span of these washers. And the 1/2 HP motor will work just fine and draw less power and you will have less likelihood of burned up timer and pressure switch contacts [ unless you want to try stuffing 20 pounds of clothing in your washer ] LOL
John L.
