Purpose-built for the humid, corrosive environment inside a cooling tower.
Cooling towers play a critical role in commercial HVAC systems, industrial facilities, and process-cooling applications by rejecting heat from circulating water. Because cooling tower fans may operate for extended periods, the motor driving the fan must be properly matched to the equipment and the operating environment.
The WEG 14409221 / 06012AT3ECT404TF1-W2 is a 60 HP, 6-pole, three-phase W22 Cooling Tower motor designed for compatible cooling tower applications. It features a 404/5T frame, 208-230/460 V operation at 60 Hz, 380 V operation at 50 Hz, an IC410 TEAO enclosure, and foot-mounted construction. WEG designs its W22 Cooling Tower line for operation in 100% humidity and highly corrosive environments.
Built for Cooling Tower Systems That Depend on Reliable Operation
Cooling tower motors drive the fans that move air through the tower and support the heat-rejection process. When a motor is not properly matched to the cooling tower, electrical system, or mechanical assembly, the resulting compatibility issues can create unnecessary maintenance and downtime.
Correct motor selection involves more than matching horsepower. Before replacing a cooling tower motor, compare these against the existing motor and the tower equipment:
- Voltage and frequency
- Horsepower and pole count
- Rated RPM
- Frame size and mounting arrangement
- Enclosure and cooling method
- Shaft dimensions and coupling or gearbox interface
- Terminal box position
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| WEG Part Number | 14409221 |
| Catalog Number / MPN | 06012AT3ECT404TF1-W2 |
| GTIN | 7909492066675 |
| Product Line | W22 Cooling Tower (Severe Duty) |
| Output | 60 HP (45 kW) |
| Phase | 3-Phase |
| Voltage | 208-230/460 V (60 Hz) · 380 V (50 Hz) |
| Rated Current | 154 / 139 / 69.5 A |
| Locked-Rotor Amps | 1091 / 987 / 493 A |
| LRC | 7.1x (Code H) |
| No-Load Current | 43.1 / 50.0 / 25.0 A |
| Poles | 6 |
| Synchronous Speed | 1200 RPM |
| Rated Speed | 1185 RPM |
| Slip | 1.25% |
| Rated Torque | 266 ft·lb |
| Locked-Rotor Torque | 200% |
| Breakdown Torque | 229% |
| Locked-Rotor Time | 36 s (cold) / 20 s (hot) |
| Moment of Inertia (J) | 36.9 sq.ft·lb |
| Frame | 404/5T |
| Frame Material | Cast Iron |
| Enclosure | IC410 – TEAO (Totally Enclosed Air Over) |
| Degree of Protection | IP55 |
| Mounting | F-1 Foot-Mounted (without flange) |
| Efficiency | NEMA Premium |
| Design | NEMA B |
| Insulation Class | F (80 K temperature rise) |
| Service Factor | 1.25 |
| Duty Cycle | Continuous (S1) |
| Starting Method | Direct On Line |
| Ambient Temperature | -20°C to +40°C |
| Altitude | 1000 m.a.s.l. |
| Rotation | Both (CW and CCW) |
| Noise Level | 68.0 dB(A) |
| Shaft Material | SAE 4140 Carbon Steel |
| Balancing | 1/2 Key |
| Terminal Box | Left position · 3" NPT entry · no terminal block |
| Connection Leads | 12 |
| Space Heater | 110-127/200-240 V |
| Drain | Rubber, automatic |
| Painting | RAL 5009 202E (ISO 12944 C4) · complete tropicalized (200 h) |
| Impregnation | Constant Resin Flow |
| Grounding Lugs | Double |
| Fan / Fan Cover | None (TEAO) |
| Weight | 1123 lb |
| Standard | NEMA MG-1 |
| Brand | WEG |
Key Features of the WEG 14409221
60 HP, 6-Pole Output for Large Cooling Towers
The WEG 14409221 combines a 60 HP (45 kW) rating with a 6-pole design and 404/5T frame, providing a motor configuration intended for compatible large cooling tower applications. Rated torque is 266 ft·lb, with 200% locked-rotor torque and 229% breakdown torque.
Why the 6-Pole Design Matters
A 6-pole induction motor operating at 60 Hz has a synchronous speed of 1200 RPM. Actual operating speed under load is lower because of motor slip; WEG lists this motor's rated speed at 1185 RPM (1.25% slip). Motor speed affects the operating characteristics of the connected fan, so it should always be compared with the original motor. Before replacing a tower motor, verify the original motor's rated RPM, pole count, frame size, and driven-equipment requirements.
208-230/460 V Three-Phase, 50/60 Hz
The motor is rated for 208-230/460 V at 60 Hz and 380 V at 50 Hz, with 12 connection leads. Rated current is 154 A at 208 V, 139 A at 230 V, and 69.5 A at 460 V. The dual-frequency configuration can provide flexibility for compatible installations, but the motor should only be connected and operated according to its nameplate and WEG's specifications. Always verify voltage, phase, frequency, horsepower, and speed against the cooling tower system before installation.
IC410 TEAO Enclosure
TEAO stands for Totally Enclosed Air Over. Unlike a TEFC motor, a TEAO motor does not rely on its own external cooling fan. Instead, cooling airflow is supplied by the surrounding equipment — in a cooling tower, the tower fan's airstream. This motor ships without a fan or fan cover.
This distinction is particularly important in cooling tower applications because the motor's cooling arrangement is closely tied to the tower and fan configuration. A TEAO motor should not automatically be substituted with a TEFC motor (or the reverse) simply because the horsepower and voltage appear similar.
Built for 100% Humidity and Corrosive Conditions
Cooling tower motors are exposed to drift, spray, and chemically treated water. The W22 Cooling Tower build addresses this with an IP55 cast-iron frame, RAL 5009 paint to ISO 12944 C4, complete tropicalized painting, automatic rubber drains, Permatex-sealed joints, double grounding lugs, and a space heater to keep windings dry during idle periods.
Inverter-Ready, Horizontal or Vertical
WEG certifies the W22 Cooling Tower line for use with a frequency inverter and for operation in both horizontal and vertical positions. The line is tested to IEEE 112 Method B, with efficiency values certified by UL (CSA C390), and is designed to deliver high torque even at low speeds.
NEMA Premium Efficiency
For a 60 HP motor that may run around the clock during peak cooling season, NEMA Premium efficiency helps reduce electrical losses and motor heat over long operating hours. Total system efficiency also depends on the fan, gearbox or drive, and operating conditions.
Rugged Mechanical Construction
The motor uses an SAE 4140 carbon steel shaft, bearing caps, Class F insulation with constant resin flow impregnation, and an 80 K temperature rise with a 1.25 service factor. At 1123 lb, plan rigging and fan-deck access accordingly.
Real Impact on Cooling Tower Equipment
Large Commercial HVAC Systems
A large commercial building may depend on cooling towers to reject heat from its central HVAC plant. If the existing installation calls for a compatible 60 HP, 6-pole TEAO cooling tower motor, the WEG 14409221 can be evaluated as a replacement option. Checking electrical and mechanical specifications before ordering reduces the risk of installing an incompatible replacement.
Industrial Process Cooling
Industrial facilities use large cooling towers to support process equipment and maintain operating temperatures. A motor failure puts pressure on maintenance teams and can affect the availability of the associated cooling system. A properly matched W22 cooling tower motor provides a purpose-designed solution where horsepower, speed, voltage, mounting, and cooling configuration all line up.
VFD-Controlled Tower Fans
Many towers modulate fan speed with a drive to match cooling load. The W22 Cooling Tower line's inverter certification makes it suitable for these systems — keeping in mind that a TEAO motor receives less cooling air when the tower fan slows, so follow WEG's guidance on the operating speed range.
TEAO vs. TEFC: Cooling Method Differences
A TEAO cooling tower motor and a TEFC motor can share horsepower, voltage, and frame size and still not be interchangeable. The cooling method should always be confirmed against the original motor and the cooling tower manufacturer's requirements.
| Specification | IC410 TEAO (WEG 14409221) | IC411 TEFC |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Source | Airflow from driven equipment (tower fan) | Shaft-mounted fan on the motor |
| Fan / Fan Cover | None | External fan and cover |
| Mounting Requirement | Must sit in the tower's airstream | Cools itself independently |
| Cooling at Low Fan Speed | Decreases with tower fan speed | Decreases with motor shaft speed |
| Typical Use | Cooling towers, fan-mounted motors | General industrial applications |
| Direct Substitution | Only where tower is designed for TEAO | Only where tower is designed for TEFC |
Signs Your Cooling Tower Motor May Need Replacement
- Motor tripping on overload or thermal protection
- Rising operating temperature on the motor frame
- Excessive vibration at the fan deck
- Bearing noise or bearing failures
- Moisture or corrosion inside the terminal box
- Low insulation resistance readings
- Reduced airflow or rising condenser water temperatures
- Visible corrosion or paint breakdown on the frame
- Repeated rewinds on the same motor
- Unplanned cooling system downtime
A properly matched cooling tower motor built for wet, corrosive duty can provide a more dependable solution than a general-purpose replacement.
Why Choose the WEG W22 Cooling Tower Motor?
The WEG 14409221 combines 60 HP output, a 6-pole 1185 RPM design, 208-230/460 V and 380 V operation, a 404/5T cast-iron frame, IC410 TEAO enclosure, IP55 protection, NEMA Premium efficiency, Class F insulation, a 1.25 service factor, a space heater, automatic drains, C4-rated corrosion-resistant paint, inverter certification, and horizontal or vertical mounting capability. Together, these features make it a purpose-built option for demanding cooling tower environments.
Why Buy from KPaul Supply?
KPaul helps HVAC contractors, facility managers, maintenance teams, mechanical engineers, and procurement departments source dependable electric motors. When sourcing the WEG 14409221, customers can benefit from:
- Competitive pricing on genuine WEG motors
- Support identifying the correct motor specifications
- Assistance sourcing cooling tower and severe-duty motors
- Support for commercial and industrial applications
- Experienced industrial customer service
- Access to trusted motor manufacturers
Whether you're replacing a failed tower motor, planning a seasonal changeout, or specifying a motor for a new cooling tower installation, KPaul can help you identify the appropriate solution.
Final Thoughts
The WEG 14409221 W22 Cooling Tower motor is a 60 HP, 6-pole, three-phase motor designed for compatible cooling tower applications. With 208-230/460 V operation at 60 Hz, 380 V at 50 Hz, a 404/5T frame, IC410 TEAO enclosure, foot-mounted construction, NEMA Premium efficiency, and a build designed for 100% humidity and corrosive environments, it is engineered for towers where a general-purpose motor may not hold up. Confirm horsepower, speed, voltage, frame, mounting, shaft dimensions, and cooling method against the original motor before ordering.
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