What type of oil is commonly used to lubricate a motor?

The most commonly used oil to lubricate a motor, particularly in HVAC applications, is 20 weight non-detergent oil. Non-detergent oils are ideal for many electric motor applications because they provide the necessary lubrication while minimizing the risk of foaming and carryover of contaminants that can occur with detergent oils.

In electric motors, especially those running at higher speeds or temperatures, the lubrication needs to be effective at reducing friction and wear. 20 weight non-detergent oil has a suitable viscosity for these conditions, balancing good flow characteristics with sufficient thickness to ensure a protective film over moving parts. This oil type helps maintain the operational integrity of the motor, leading to longer service life and better performance under typical operating conditions.

Viscosity ratings like 30, 40, or 10 weight, whether they are detergent or non-detergent, do not provide the optimal balance of performance characteristics found in 20 weight non-detergent oil, which is tailored to the typical operational requirements of many motors in HVAC systems.