The discussion revolves around the efficiency of a motor, specifically an oven fan motor rated at 15 watts. Participants explore whether this rating refers to output or input power, and the implications for understanding motor efficiency and operational requirements.
Participants generally agree that the 15-watt rating refers to input power, but there is no consensus on the implications for efficiency or operational power requirements.
The discussion does not resolve the specific efficiency of the motor or the exact power needed to run it at full capacity, leaving these aspects open to further exploration.
For pretty well every kind of machine, the input power is much easier to measure, for a start. Even steam engines have measurable cylinder dimensions and boiler pressure but it's anyones guess how well it will pull trucks up a hill or plough a field. 'Horse Power' used to be based more on a salesman's promise than anything else.DaveE said:Yes, it's input power in normal operation.