{"id":167,"date":"2026-07-08T08:55:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/?p=167"},"modified":"2026-07-08T08:55:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:55:42","slug":"what-is-a-brake-motor-types-applications-and-selection-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/what-is-a-brake-motor-types-applications-and-selection-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Brake Motor? Types, Applications and Selection Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Korea Ever-Power \u00b7 Y2EJ Series \u00b7 Brake Motor Guide<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Is a Brake Motor?
\nTypes, Applications and Selection Tips<\/span><\/h1>\n

A brake motor is a three-phase induction motor with an integral electromagnetic brake mounted on the non-drive end. The brake holds the motor shaft stationary when power is removed, without any separate brake actuator, control circuit, or external mechanical intervention. It is the standard solution for hoists, conveyors, packaging machines, machine tool axes, and any application where the load must stop quickly and stay stopped when the motor de-energises.<\/p>\n

Spring-Applied Brake<\/span>
\nDC Electromagnet Release<\/span>
\nStop Time < 0.5 s<\/span>
\nManual Release<\/span>
\nIP54 \/ IP55 Enclosure<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Fail-safe<\/div>\n
Spring holds brake on power loss<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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< 0.5 s<\/div>\n
Typical stop time from rated speed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DC 24 V<\/div>\n
Standard brake coil release voltage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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0.18\u201345 kW<\/div>\n
Y2EJ series power range<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2\u20138 poles<\/div>\n
Available pole configurations<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Brake<\/p>\n
Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series brake motor \u2014 the integral spring-applied electromagnetic brake is visible on the non-drive end (right side). The brake engages immediately when power is removed, stopping the shaft within 0.1 to 0.5 seconds depending on motor size and load inertia.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Contents<\/div>\n
1. How a Brake Motor Works<\/a>
\n2. Spring-Applied Electromagnetic Brake Principle<\/a>
\n3. Brake Torque and Stop Time Selection<\/a>
\n4. Duty Cycle and Thermal Rating<\/a>
\n5. Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ Series<\/a>
\n6. Application Areas<\/a>
\n7. Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. How a Brake Motor Works<\/h2>\n

A brake motor integrates a three-phase induction motor with an electromagnetic brake into a single compact unit. The brake is mounted on the non-drive end of the motor shaft, inside a protective cover that is part of the motor enclosure. The motor and brake share the same terminal box, simplifying electrical installation \u2014 the main three-phase supply connects the motor winding in the standard way, and a separate DC supply (typically 24 V DC, derived from a rectifier module in the motor\u2019s terminal box or from the control panel) energises the brake coil.<\/p>\n

The critical operational principle is fail-safe design<\/strong>: the brake engages mechanically by spring force and is released electrically by the DC electromagnet. This means that a power failure, an emergency stop, or any interruption of the supply causes the brake to engage automatically without any control signal \u2014 the load is secured as the default state, not as an active control action.<\/p>\n

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Operating Sequence: Start, Run, Stop<\/div>\n
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ON COMMAND (Power Applied)<\/div>\n

Three-phase supply energises motor winding simultaneously with DC supply to brake coil. Electromagnet overcomes spring force and releases armature disc from brake disc, allowing shaft to rotate. Motor accelerates to running speed within 1 to 3 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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RUNNING (Both Energised)<\/div>\n

Motor drives the load at rated speed. Brake coil remains energised, holding the brake open. Brake disc rotates freely with the shaft \u2014 there is no contact between rotating brake disc and stationary brake plate during normal running.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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STOP COMMAND (Power Removed)<\/div>\n

Three-phase supply and DC brake coil both de-energise simultaneously. Spring force immediately presses the armature disc against the friction brake disc. Friction braking decelerates the shaft to standstill within 0.1 to 0.5 seconds depending on brake torque and load inertia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Spring-Applied Electromagnetic Brake Principle<\/h2>\n

The electromagnetic brake inside a Y2EJ brake motor consists of five key components, all mounted concentrically on the motor shaft extension at the NDE end:<\/p>\n

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Brake Disc (Friction Disc)<\/div>\n

Splined to the motor shaft and rotates with it. Made from friction material with high and stable friction coefficient across the operating temperature range. The brake disc is the wear element in the brake assembly \u2014 its thickness decreases with each braking event, and the air gap adjustment must compensate as wear accumulates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Armature Disc (Pressure Plate)<\/div>\n

A steel disc that slides axially on the guide pins but does not rotate. When the brake is engaged, the compression springs push the armature disc against the rotating brake disc, creating the clamping force that generates braking torque. When the electromagnet is energised, it pulls the armature disc away from the brake disc against the spring force, creating the air gap that allows free rotation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Compression Springs<\/div>\n

Multiple compression springs around the brake circumference provide the clamping force when the electromagnet is de-energised. Spring force determines the static holding torque of the brake. Springs are sized to provide brake torque at a specified multiple of the motor rated torque \u2014 typically 1.5 to 2.0 times rated motor torque to hold loads on inclines or prevent drift from external forces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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DC Electromagnet Coil<\/div>\n

A DC electromagnet coil mounted in the brake housing. When energised by DC voltage (typically 24 V DC in Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series, derived by a half-wave or full-wave rectifier from the motor\u2019s three-phase supply), it creates a magnetic field that attracts the armature disc away from the brake disc against the spring force, creating the release air gap of 0.1 to 0.3 mm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Manual Release Lever<\/div>\n

A mechanical lever on the brake housing that can release the brake manually without DC power. The manual release is used for maintenance positioning, load lowering during power failure, and initial commissioning. The manual release must be disengaged and the lever returned to its normal position before the motor resumes production operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Brake Torque and Stop Time Selection<\/h2>\n

The two key brake selection parameters are the required brake torque and the required stop time. These two parameters are linked through the deceleration rate and the load inertia, so they must be specified together rather than independently.<\/p>\n

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Stop Time Calculation<\/div>\n
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Stop time formula:<\/div>\n
t\u2011stop = J \u00d7 \u03c9 \u00f7 M\u2011brake<\/div>\n
J = total rotating inertia (kg\u00b7m\u00b2); \u03c9 = angular velocity at stop start (rad\/s); M\u2011brake = net braking torque (N\u00b7m)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Angular velocity from rpm:<\/div>\n
\u03c9 (rad\/s) = n (rpm) \u00d7 \u03c0 \u00f7 30<\/div>\n
At 1,450 rpm: \u03c9 = 1,450 \u00d7 \u03c0 \u00f7 30 = 151.8 rad\/s<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Worked example (hoist):<\/div>\n
J = 0.08 kg\u00b7m\u00b2; M = 30 N\u00b7m<\/div>\n
t = 0.08 \u00d7 151.8 \u00f7 30 = 0.40 seconds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Application<\/th>\nRequired Stop Time<\/th>\nTypical Brake Torque Ratio<\/th>\nNotes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Man-riding hoist<\/td>\n< 0.15 s<\/td>\n3.0\u20134.0 \u00d7 motor rated torque<\/td>\nSafety regulation requirement; oversized brake for emergency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Material hoist \/ crane<\/td>\n< 0.3 s<\/td>\n1.5\u20132.5 \u00d7 motor rated torque<\/td>\nLoad holding after positioning; fast stop to prevent swing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conveyor (positioning)<\/td>\n< 0.5 s<\/td>\n1.5\u20132.0 \u00d7 motor rated torque<\/td>\nPrecise stop position for product transfer; prevent drift<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Packaging machine<\/td>\n< 0.3 s<\/td>\n1.5\u20132.0 \u00d7 motor rated torque<\/td>\nTooling positioning; prevent product jam; safety guard interlock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Holding (no motion needed)<\/td>\nStatic hold only<\/td>\n1.2\u20131.5 \u00d7 motor rated torque<\/td>\nInclined conveyor; vertical axis; prevent back-drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. Duty Cycle and Thermal Rating of the Brake<\/h2>\n

Each braking event dissipates kinetic energy as heat in the brake disc friction surface. The brake\u2019s thermal capacity limits the maximum number of braking events per hour before the brake disc overheats and friction properties degrade. This is the brake duty cycle limit, and it is independent of the motor duty cycle.<\/p>\n

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Braking Energy per Event<\/div>\n

Each braking event from rated speed to standstill dissipates kinetic energy E = \u00bd \u00d7 J \u00d7 \u03c9\u00b2. For a 4 kW motor at 1,450 rpm with J = 0.04 kg\u00b7m\u00b2, E = 0.5 \u00d7 0.04 \u00d7 (151.8)\u00b2 = 461 J. If the motor starts and stops 60 times per hour, the brake dissipates 461 \u00d7 60 = 27,660 J\/hour = 7.7 W average. This must stay within the brake\u2019s rated average thermal dissipation capacity.<\/p>\n

E per stop (J) = 0.5 \u00d7 J (kg\u00b7m\u00b2) \u00d7 \u03c9\u00b2 (rad\/s)\u00b2<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Brake Disc Wear Rate<\/div>\n

The brake disc wears at a rate proportional to the braking energy per event and inversely proportional to the disc material wear resistance. Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series brakes are designed for a minimum of 2 million braking operations from rated speed at rated braking torque before the disc requires replacement, assuming normal ambient temperatures and infrequent emergency braking. The air gap between armature and brake disc increases as the disc wears; the brake must be adjusted when the air gap exceeds the maximum specified value (typically 0.5 to 0.8 mm, depending on brake size).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Maximum Braking Operations<\/div>\n

Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series brakes are rated for up to 240 braking operations per hour (operating class AC3 per IEC 60947) at rated braking torque and rated motor speed. This limit applies to continuous repetitive cycling applications such as packaging machines and short-cycle conveyors. Applications exceeding 240 braking operations per hour require a brake motor with a higher operating class rating, available as a special specification on request.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ Series Brake Motor<\/h2>\n
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The Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series is a three-phase induction motor with an integral spring-applied, electrically released electromagnetic brake. It is designed as a direct replacement for standard Y2 series motors in applications requiring controlled stopping \u2014 the Y2EJ shares the same IEC frame dimensions and terminal box layout as the Y2, allowing it to be installed in the same footprint without any modification to the machine structure. The brake motor product range<\/a> covers 0.18 to 45 kW in 2-pole (2,850 rpm), 4-pole (1,450 rpm), 6-pole (960 rpm), and 8-pole (720 rpm) configurations.<\/p>\n

The brake coil is energised at 24 V DC, supplied by a half-wave rectifier module installed inside the motor\u2019s terminal box. The rectifier is fed from two phases of the main three-phase supply, so the brake releases simultaneously with the motor when the main contactor closes \u2014 no separate brake control circuit is required. This integrated design simplifies panel wiring and eliminates the timing relay or PLC output that would otherwise be needed to coordinate motor start and brake release.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Y2EJ Series Key Specifications<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Power range<\/td>\n0.18 \u2013 45 kW<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Poles<\/td>\n2P \/ 4P \/ 6P \/ 8P<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brake type<\/td>\nSpring-applied, DC released<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brake voltage<\/td>\n24 V DC (integral rectifier)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical stop time<\/td>\n0.1 \u2013 0.5 s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brake torque<\/td>\n1.5\u20132.5 \u00d7 rated motor torque<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manual release<\/td>\nStandard on all models<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Protection<\/td>\nIP54 (motor + brake)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insulation<\/td>\nClass F<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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6. Application Areas for Brake Motors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Brake<\/p>\n
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Hoists and Cranes<\/div>\n

Chain and wire rope hoists, overhead travelling cranes, and jib cranes are the primary application for brake motors. The integral brake holds the suspended load stationary whenever the hoist is not actively moving, preventing drift or drift under gravity. The Y2EJ 4-pole series at 0.37 to 5.5 kW covers the full range of workshop hoists and industrial cranes. Safety regulations for man-riding hoists require a specific brake performance standard \u2014 Korea Ever-Power can advise on the appropriate brake torque rating for safety-classified lifting applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n

\"Brake<\/p>\n
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Packaging and Processing Machines<\/div>\n

Filling machines, form-fill-seal packaging lines, labelling machines, and carton erectors all require motors that stop at a repeatable position when the cycle completes and hold that position until the next cycle starts. A brake motor achieves this without encoder feedback or servo control \u2014 the brake engages on every cycle stop, maintaining the tooling position accurately. The Y2EJ 4-pole and 6-pole series at 0.18 to 2.2 kW covers most packaging machine drive requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Inclined Conveyors<\/div>\n

Inclined belt and chain conveyors carrying heavy loads require a brake motor to prevent reverse running under gravity when the motor stops. The Y2EJ brake prevents load rollback without any external mechanical backstop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Machine Tool Axes<\/div>\n

Vertical axis drives on drilling machines, boring mills, and lathes use brake motors to hold the spindle head or cross-slide in position while the workpiece is changed, preventing gravity-driven drift that would damage the tooling or workpiece.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Door and Gate Drives<\/div>\n

Industrial roller doors, sectional doors, and automated gate drives use Y2EJ brake motors to hold the door or gate at any intermediate position and to ensure the door stops immediately if the safety edge sensor is triggered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Textile Machinery<\/div>\n

Warping machines, winding machines, and tentering frame drives require fast, repeatable stopping at every pattern change or end-of-roll to maintain yarn tension and web position. Brake motors replace mechanical clutch-brake combinations with fewer maintenance points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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\"Korea<\/p>\n

Rotor Production<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Korea<\/p>\n

Brake Test<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Korea<\/p>\n

CE and ISO Certified<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Korea<\/p>\n

Global Customers<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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7. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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Can a brake motor be used with a VFD for variable speed operation?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Yes, but the brake control circuit must be managed carefully. The integral rectifier in a standard Y2EJ brake motor draws its DC supply from two phases of the three-phase supply. When the motor is driven by a VFD, the VFD output is a PWM waveform, not a sinusoidal supply, and the rectifier may not function correctly from a VFD output. Korea Ever-Power recommends using a separate external rectifier powered directly from the mains supply (not from the VFD output) for brake coil DC supply when a Y2EJ brake motor is driven by a VFD. The brake release timing must be coordinated with the VFD start command through the PLC or control relay to avoid releasing the brake before the VFD has established control of the motor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How is the brake adjusted as the friction disc wears?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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As the brake disc friction material wears, the air gap between the armature disc and the electromagnet face increases. When the air gap exceeds the maximum specified value (typically 0.5 to 0.8 mm depending on brake size), the electromagnet cannot fully attract the armature disc and the brake may not release reliably when energised. The air gap must be restored to the specified value (typically 0.1 to 0.3 mm) by adjusting the armature disc position on its guide pins, using the air gap adjustment nuts or shim spacers provided in the brake assembly. Korea Ever-Power supplies the Y2EJ brake adjustment procedure in the motor installation and maintenance manual. The brake disc itself should be replaced when its thickness reaches the minimum wear limit \u2014 typically 50% of new disc thickness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the difference between a brake motor and a motor with a mechanical brake added externally?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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An integral brake motor (Y2EJ series) has the brake built into the motor enclosure as part of the motor design \u2014 the brake shares the motor\u2019s protection rating (IP54), uses the same terminal box for all connections, and fits within the same overall dimensions as a standard motor of the same frame size. An externally added brake mounted on the motor shaft or driven machine shaft is a separate component with its own enclosure, wiring requirements, and alignment needs. The integral brake motor is more compact, simpler to install and wire, and is factory-tested as a matched assembly. The external brake is more flexible \u2014 it can be specified independently for higher torque or different operating class \u2014 but adds installation complexity and a second motor shaft extension point that requires precise alignment. For standard industrial applications, the integral Y2EJ brake motor is the more practical and cost-effective solution. For specialist requirements (very high brake torque, high-frequency braking above 240 operations\/hour, or special environments), an externally fitted brake assembly may be necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Korea Ever-Power \u00b7 Y2EJ Series Brake Motors<\/div>\n

Need a Brake Motor for Your Application?<\/h2>\n

Korea Ever-Power Y2EJ series: spring-applied electromagnetic brake, integral 24 V DC rectifier, manual release, IP54, 0.18 to 45 kW in 2-pole through 8-pole configurations. In stock for fast delivery.<\/p>\n

View Y2EJ Brake Motors<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Edited by Cxm<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Korea Ever-Power \u00b7 Y2EJ Series \u00b7 Brake Motor Guide What Is a Brake Motor? Types, Applications and Selection Tips A brake motor is a three-phase induction motor with an integral electromagnetic brake mounted on the non-drive end. The brake holds the motor shaft stationary when power is removed, without any separate brake actuator, control circuit, or external mechanical intervention. It is the standard solution for hoists, conveyors, packaging machines, machine tool axes, and any application where the load must stop quickly and stay stopped when the motor de-energises. Spring-Applied Brake DC Electromagnet Release Stop Time < 0.5 s Manual Release IP54 \/ IP55 Enclosure Fail-safe Spring holds brake on power […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-industrial-electric-motor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":169,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167\/revisions\/169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/industrialelectricmotor.net\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}