True or False: Semi-hermetic pumps have an external motor connected to the armature with a mechanical shaft seal.

Semi-hermetic pumps are designed to have their motors enclosed within the pump casing, leading to streamlined operation and minimized refrigerant leaks. This configuration differs from fully hermetic pumps, which completely seal the motor and pump into a single unit, with no external components.

The significant aspect of semi-hermetic design is that their motor is not external but is enclosed to some degree—this can often be misconstrued as "external." The use of a mechanical shaft seal is more relevant for hermetic and open systems, where protection against leakage is crucial. Therefore, the assertion that semi-hermetic pumps feature an external motor is inaccurate, making the statement false. This precision in understanding the classifications of pumps is essential in applications regarding refrigeration and fluid dynamics.