Sizing a larger motor than necessary leads to what issue?

Choosing a motor that is larger than what is needed for a specific application can lead to the motor running hot. This occurs primarily because oversized motors tend to operate at lower efficiencies under light loads. When a motor runs at a significant distance from its optimal load point, it wastes energy, which results in excess heat production. This heat can cause damage to the motor components over time, impacting its reliability and overall lifespan.

In contrast, while larger motors may indeed have the capacity to perform well under higher loads, running them under low-load conditions often leads to inefficiencies and overheating. The other potential outcomes, such as poor performance, lower power consumption, or longer lifespan, do not reflect the true implications of oversizing a motor, especially in the context of thermal dynamics and efficiency.