SUMMARY
This paper presents equivalent circuits for analysing induction motors, including parameters that evaluate the mechanical losses and additional load losses, with the objective of achieving a power balance with all losses included in the equivalent circuit parameters. The different options of the circuits are presented, including two resistors that evaluate the losses with three commonly used models: single‐cage, double‐cage and slip‐dependent rotor parameters. Using nonlinear programming techniques, the equivalent circuit parameters were calculated in the different models from rated motor specifications on three induction motors (0.75, 1.5 and 5.5 kW). These motors were tested according to Standard IEC 60034‐2‐1 to compare the mechanical and additional load losses obtained in the proposed equivalent circuits analysis to those obtained according to standard tests. The equivalent circuit was calculated to the manufacturer's data for a four‐pole, 50‐Hz, class B, standard efficiency motors, with rated output power between 0.75 and 200 kW. Finally, a losses study was performed, and the separation of losses to the rated point was obtained for the studied motors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.