News · Mikołaj Skubina · 26.01.2026
Oil table: the most common types of designations and what to watch out for
Below you will find a practical “oil table” from a workshop perspective — how to read the typical designations found in NORD
and what they mean in practice.
| What you see on the name plate / in the manual | What it means in practice | Typical viscosity (ISO VG) | Key risks / service notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLP 220 | EP gear oil on a mineral base (DIN 51517-3) | 220 | Most commonly used. High temperature shortens oil life; monitor oxidation and deposits. |
| CLP HC 220 | “Synthetic” EP gear oil (often PAO/HC) | 220 | Usually better temperature stability and longer running times, but still stick to the type from the documentation. |
| CLP PG 220 | EP gear oil on a PAG/polyglycol base | 220 | Do not mix with mineral/PAO/ester oils; a change requires the system to be cleaned and material compatibility (seals/coatings) to be checked. |
| Bearing grease (per tables) | Grease for bearings/seals in selected versions | — | A change of grease type or ambient temperature range may be linked to operating conditions — in case of any deviation, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. |
Why is “PG” so sensitive?
PAG (polyglycol) oils are in practice not miscible with many other bases.
Warning! Topping up “by eye” can end in foaming, impaired lubrication and accelerated wear. Unfortunately, we know of such cases. It is always better to contact us for professional assistance.
If you sometimes type “nord geared motor which oil” into Google, start with the simplest rule:
the oil is selected according to the designation on the name plate (e.g. CLP PG 220) and the NORD documentation (operating manual).
The key factors are: oil type (base), ISO VG viscosity and operating temperature, because temperature is the fastest to “eat up” the gear unit's lubrication reserve.
NORD geared motor – where do you check which oil is required?
In NORD geared motors/gear units, lubrication information is given in two places:
1) Name plate – you will often find an entry such as CLP PG 220 there (i.e. oil class + ISO VG viscosity).
2) Manufacturer's documentation – the manual contains selection and replacement tables; service intervals follow from the operating manual and the operating conditions.
Quick checklist before topping up/changing:
- check the exact oil type (e.g. CLP / CLP HC / CLP PG),
- confirm the ISO VG viscosity (e.g. 150 / 220 / 320),
- assess the operating temperature (whether it exceeds typical ranges),
- if you are not sure: identify the drive from the name plate data and the selection in the documentation (this is where you really save time and the risk of a mistake).
Oil change intervals: how to determine them (and what shortens them)
Oil change intervals are described in the operating manual, and “severe conditions” shorten the service periods.
Factors that shorten the interval include: operating temperature > 80°C, high humidity, an aggressive environment and frequent temperature fluctuations.
A practical scheme for determining the interval:
1. you start from the operating manual / recommendations for the oil type,
2. you adjust for temperature and conditions (dust, moisture, chemicals, duty cycles),
3. if the temperature is “borderline”, monitoring makes sense (e.g. measuring the housing/oil temperature and its trends).
The effect of operating temperature on gear unit life: a simple relationship
In gear unit lubrication, a brutal rule of chemistry applies: a rise in temperature accelerates oil oxidation, which means faster loss of viscosity, depletion of EP additives and an increase in degradation products (sludge/varnish).
From a practical point of view, it is often assumed that every +10°C (above approx. 60°C) can halve the life of the lubricant.
What does this mean in reality?
If a gear unit operates stably at, say, 60–70°C, and after a process change starts holding 80–90°C, then not only does the oil degrade faster — the risk of accelerated bearing/seal wear and deterioration of meshing conditions also increases.
Typical causes of excessive temperature that are worth checking during service:
- too low an oil level / leaks,
- poor venting (overpressure and oil “pumping”),
- overload or too high a torque relative to the selection,
- oil contamination (water, dust, degradation products),
- installation errors (alignment, belt tension, bearings in the application).
How to safely change the oil in a NORD geared motor (without costly mistakes)
An oil change is simple in itself, but the “devil” is in the details:
Selection: stick to the type from the name plate/operating manual (e.g. CLP PG 220) and choose a replacement from the tables (B1000).
Temperature: drain the oil warm enough for it to be thinner (more contamination will flow out), but remember the risk of burns.
Miscibility: with PAG/PG oils there are no “trial top-ups”. If you must change the type, the system should be cleaned and material compatibility confirmed.
Deviations: when changing the grease type/temperature range (especially in critical areas), follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Maintenance is not just oil: leaks, seals and NORD spare parts
In gear unit service, routine usually wins: a leak starts with a trifle, and ends with a drop in oil level and a rise in temperature.
That is why, in addition to the oil itself, check:
a) tightness (shaft seals), venting, condition of plugs/service elements
b) signs of abnormal operation (noise, vibration, heating).
If a failure occurs, fast identification and logistics are crucial. SPEC SERWIS supports oil selection and facilitates contact with NORD itself, and thanks to experience with drives it is easier to shorten downtime when NORD spare parts are involved.
How SPEC SERWIS helps with oil selection and the maintenance schedule
If you want to do it “once and properly” (and avoid the typical mistakes: wrong oil type, wrong viscosity, mixing bases),
SPEC SERWIS can support you in practice:
- help with reading the name plate data and matching the lubricant according to the documentation,
- support in unusual operating conditions and organisation of service activities
- inspection, oil change, condition assessment.
Find out more
Comprehensive NORD Drive Solutions – Authorised Partner SPEC SERWIS
Oils and lubrication in NORD systems – selection, quantities and installation positions
Original NORD spare parts vs. replacement parts – why is it worth choosing quality?
FAQ – oil and maintenance of NORD geared motors
Below are the most common questions on the subject of gear unit lubrication and servicing.
If your operating conditions are unusual (temperature, wash-down, chemicals), stick to the documentation and consider a consultation before changing the lubricant.
Can I top up with a “similar” oil if I do not have exactly the same one?
The safest answer is no. The type (base) and ISO VG viscosity must match.
Mixing PG/PAG oils with other bases is particularly risky.
What does the entry CLP PG 220 on the name plate mean?
It is information that the gear unit is intended for a PG type (PAG/polyglycol) EP gear oil with a viscosity of ISO VG 220.
How often should the oil in a NORD geared motor be changed?
The interval follows from the operating manual and the operating conditions, and under “severe” conditions (e.g. >80°C) it should be shortened.
Does temperature really affect the oil and the gear unit that much?
Yes. In practice it is assumed that +10°C can halve the life of the oil (accelerated oxidation), which translates into a greater risk of gear unit wear.
How do I know that the oil is “tired”?
Typical signals are: an increase in operating temperature, darkening of the oil, a “burnt” smell, deposits/sludge, deteriorated running smoothness. In critical applications, checks and analysis are decisive.
Can I change the grease/oil type to a “better” one and extend the intervals?
Only if you are sure of compatibility and compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations. When changing the grease type/temperature range, stick to the documentation.
What should I do if I have an oil leak?
First, secure the oil level and the process (if necessary: downtime), then identify the source (seal/venting/plug). This is an area where fast support and access to the right components make the difference.