Leo's HVAC Tips: V-Belt Length

V-belt length is given in catalogs in three ways: outside length, pitch length, and nominal length.

Outside length: The length of the belt as measured around the outside.

Pitch length (PL): Imagine a belt traveling around a sheave, and you can see that the outside portion of the belt has to stretch and the inside portion has to compress as it goes around the curve of the sheave. The pitch length (PL) of a belt is the line somewhere in the belt that neither stretches nor compresses as it travels around the sheaves.

Nominal length: Nominal means the name given to something. The nominal length of a belt is simply the name given a certain size belt and is its approximate length. Nominal length is usually a bit less than pitch length. Most belts have the size and nominal length (such as A78) printed on the side.

Compare the nominal length, pitch length, and outside length of these belt sizes:

  • A40 (nominal length): 41.3-inch pitch length, 42.2-inch outside length.

  • A50 (nominal length): 51.3-inch pitch length, 52.2-inch outside length.

  • A78 (nominal length): 79.3-inch pitch length, 80.2-inch outside length.

    Adapted from HVAC Quick Tips by Leo Meyer; www.lamabooks.com.

    Publication date: 02/21/2005

  • Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to The NEWS Magazine

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Multimedia

    Videos

    Image Galleries

    2013 ACCA Conference & IE3 Expo

    Photos from the 2013 ACCA Conference & IE3 Expo in Orlando, Fla.

    Podcasts

    Selling Zoning is Easier Than You Might Think

    This overview of the benefits of zoning includes tips for selling to consumers and businesses. Tom Jackson discusses options for new construction and retrofit, as well as some ways a residential contractor can get into the light commercial business with zoning products. Speaker: Tom Jackson, CEO, Jackson Systems
    More Podcasts

    THE MAGAZINE

    ACHRNEWS

    NEWS 05-13-13 cover

    2013 May 13

    Check out the weekly edition of The NEWS today!

    Table Of Contents Subscribe

    HVAC LEASING

    Some HVAC contractors have introduced leasing programs for consumers. Do you think this is a viable option?
    View Results Poll Archive

    Clear Seas Research

    Clear Seas ResearchWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications, Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

    DON'T MISS A THING

    Magazine image
     
    Register today for complete access to ACHRNews.com. Get full access to the latest features, Extra Edition, and more.

    STAY CONNECTED

    facebook icontwitter iconyoutube iconLinkedIn i con