When discussing electrical motors, what does the term "efficiency" refer to?

Efficiency in the context of electrical motors specifically refers to the ratio of power output to power input. This measurement indicates how effectively a motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. A high-efficiency motor will produce a greater amount of useful work (power output) relative to the electrical energy consumed (power input).

Other considerations, such as the power used in the circuit or the physical size of the motor, do not directly relate to efficiency. While these factors can influence the operation of a motor—size might affect design and installation, and power usage can relate to overall energy consumption—they do not define the concept of efficiency itself. Efficiency is fundamentally about the performance of the motor in transforming energy from one form to another, emphasizing the importance of minimizing losses during this process.