New SP5+ Food Grade Motor Delivers Efficiency & Durability

The SP5+ motor from ABB offers IE5 efficiency and IP69 protection, making it ideal for food and beverage applications with rigorous washdown and sanitation requirements.


News February 26, 2025 by Damond Goodwin

ABB has recently released the Baldor-Reliance Food Safe SP5+ motor, which is considered the world's first IP69 ultra-premium efficient motor. It is designed for use in the food and beverage industry, where strict cleanliness regimes are common. They can be used in food processing scenarios with zone 1 or fewer restrictions, meaning they can manage consistent washdown and direct contact with food particles.

 

Food Safe SP5+ Delivers Cutting-Edge Technology

Designed to withstand the rigorous demands of food processing, ABB Food Safe motors provide easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability. The SP5+ motor achieves IE5 efficiency, offering users energy savings while maintaining high performance in NSF-identified food zones (zone 1). Zone 1 areas are critical since food comes into direct contact with equipment, and the SP5+ is specifically engineered to meet stringent food-grade requirements, making it a good choice for food and beverage manufacturers.

 

The SP5+ motor can be used in NSF-identified food zones (zone 1).

The SP5+ motor can be used in NSF-identified food zones (zone 1). Image used courtesy of ABB

 

Maintaining cleanliness in food production directly impacts product quality, consumer safety, and operational efficiency. Like all Baldor-Reliance Food Safe motors, the SP5+ is designed for thorough washdowns without reducing performance. Its stainless steel construction and sealed design help prevent contamination, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and costly recalls. With local manufacturing availability and comprehensive service support, the SP5+ motor delivers users with good system support.

 

ABB Looks to Deliver Users With Exceptional Quality

The Food Safe SP5+ motor features advanced rotor technology that optimizes performance while reducing energy consumption, helping facilities stay ahead of evolving efficiency regulations. When paired with a required variable speed drive (VSD), the SP5+ meets or surpasses the IE5 efficiency level, the highest classification for motor efficiency. This lowers operational costs while supporting sustainability initiatives for power usage in energy-intensive food and beverage processing environments.

 

An IP60 rating ensures motor protection against washdown procedures, including direct contact with water jets

An IP60 rating ensures motor protection against washdown procedures, including direct contact with water jets. Image courtesy of ABB

 

Built for harsh washdown environments, the IP69-rated enclosure gives protection against water jets, steam cleaning, and dust infiltration. This ensures compliance with the strict sanitation protocols required in food and beverage facilities. The SP5+ is designed for long-term reliability and incorporates advanced bearing protection to prevent damage from electrical discharges, a common cause of premature motor failure. By reducing wear and increasing durability, the SP5+ helps manufacturers achieve higher productivity and lower total cost of ownership.

 

Key Features of the SP5+

Baldor-Reliance Food Safe stainless steel motors come with a 360-degree rotatable conduit box, simplifying installation, operation, and maintenance. Removable drain holes offer flexibility, allowing users to choose between a fully sealed or continuously draining motor to suit specific installations. The IP69 laser-marked nameplate creates long-term readability, while hardened epoxy resin encapsulation adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and humidity.

 

Stainless steel construction helps to minimize corrosion on the SP5+

Stainless steel construction helps to minimize corrosion on the SP5+. Image used courtesy of ABB

 

Designed for durability, these motors feature all stainless-steel construction, including

  • the housing,
  • conduit box,
  • drain plugs,
  • hardware,
  • fan cover
  • endplates

Stainless steel construction helps provide corrosion resistance, ultimately minimizing downtime and repairs. Two-barrier mechanical shaft seals prevent water ingress at the shaft extension, and high-temperature Class H insulation with a low-temperature (Class B) rise enhances insulation and bearing life to help extend motor longevity.

 

ABB Continues to Provide Quality

With the release of the new SP5+ motor capable of food-grade service, ABB continues to provide users with quality motors for their manufacturing needs. The new motor hopes to deliver a high-quality motor capable of being used in the harsh food and beverage industry without sacrificing energy efficiency.