IEEE Std 58-1978 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Std 58-1978 — "IEEE Standard Induction Motor Letter Symbols". This standard establishes a consistent set of letter symbols and notational conventions for representing induction-motor parameters and characteristics (single‑phase and polyphase, cage and wound‑rotor types) used on nameplates, drawings, test reports and technical literature.

Abstract

A concise nomenclature standard that defines letter symbols for motor electrical quantities (for example leakage reactances, winding impedances, locked‑rotor values and related parameters), and for commonly used motor constructions and auxiliaries. The document's purpose is to reduce ambiguity in technical documents and facilitate clear communication among manufacturers, test laboratories and users.

General information

• Status: Inactive — Withdrawn (withdrawn by IEEE Standards Administration on December 5, 1991).
• Publication date: Published June 30, 1978 (board approval recorded in 1976; reaffirmed 1983; ANSI-approved 25 September 1986).
• Publisher: IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
• ICS / categories: Rotating electrical machines / Motors (ICS area for motors / rotating machinery — commonly classified under ICS 29.160 / 29.160.30).
• Edition / version: Original 1978 edition (IEEE Std 58‑1978 — document was later reaffirmed and subsequently withdrawn).
• Number of pages: Approximately 20 pages (publisher listing for the 1978 PDF indicates about 20 pages).

Scope

Defines the recommended single‑letter and compound‑letter symbols and associated definitions used to denote induction motor electrical quantities, impedances and construction features. The scope covers both single‑phase and polyphase induction motors, multiple‑cage rotors, wound‑rotor machines and the notations needed to report locked‑rotor impedances, leakage reactances (positive/negative sequence, cage‑specific values), magnetizing reactance, and related auxiliary components and controllers. The standard was intended for use on nameplates, engineering drawings, test reports and technical publications to promote uniformity.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized letter symbols for stator and rotor resistances and reactances (including sequence and cage‑specific reactances).
• Notation for locked‑rotor impedances and auxiliary winding/capacitor combinations.
• Definitions for magnetizing and apparent magnetizing reactances used in series‑circuit representations.
• Recommended presentation format for motor parameter tables and diagram references (to reduce ambiguity across manufacturers and test reports).
• Guidance on combining symbols for composite quantities (for example referring rotor values to the stator, or showing per‑phase vs. total values).

Typical use and users

Used by motor manufacturers, electrical designers, test laboratories, consulting engineers, technical writers and educators. Typical applications include nameplate data specification, preparation and interpretation of motor test reports, interchange of motor performance data between vendors and purchasers, and inclusion in technical documentation and standards references.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside motor testing and specification standards such as IEEE Std 112 (Test Procedure for Polyphase Induction Motors and Generators), NEMA MG‑1 (Motors and Generators — NEMA dimensional and performance guidance), and the IEC 60034 series (Rotating electrical machines — ratings, performance and tests). These documents address test methods, performance reporting and dimensional/installation requirements that complement the nomenclature given in IEEE Std 58‑1978.

Keywords

Induction motor; letter symbols; motor nomenclature; nameplate notation; leakage reactance; locked‑rotor impedance; rotor impedance; motor parameters; IEEE standard.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 58‑1978 is the IEEE Standard titled "Induction Motor Letter Symbols" that specifies recommended letter symbols and notation for induction‑motor electrical quantities and related nomenclature.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the definitions and recommended letter symbols for stator and rotor resistances and reactances, magnetizing reactance, locked‑rotor and other impedances, cage‑specific and sequence values, and conventions for presenting these quantities in documentation and nameplates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Motor manufacturers, test laboratories, design and specification engineers, procurement/spec writers, and technical documentation authors — anyone who needs an agreed‑upon shorthand for motor electrical parameters.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEEE Std 58‑1978 is inactive — it was withdrawn by IEEE on December 5, 1991. It may still be used as a historical or reference document, but users should check current IEEE, NEMA and IEC documents for up‑to‑date conventions and any successor nomenclature guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the broader set of IEEE electric machinery standards and is typically used together with IEEE test and practice standards (for example IEEE Std 112) and industry standards such as NEMA MG‑1 and the IEC 60034 series that address tests, performance and rating conventions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Induction motor, letter symbols, motor nomenclature, leakage reactance, locked‑rotor impedance, rotor resistance, nameplate, IEEE.