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Types of AC Electric Motors

AC motors are electric motors that run on AC. AC is alternating current, where the electric charges reverse direction periodically. AC motors are different from DC motors, as the DC motors run on direct current. The power of AC motors is measured in horsepower. The most commonly used AC motors are usually fractional horse-power motors. Huge motors ranging to thousands of horse power are used in factories only. The speed of AC motors is measured in rotations per minute (RPM).

  1. Different Types of Motors

    • AC motors are normally classified as single-phase motors or three-phase motors. A single-phase motor is referred to as a universal AC motor, since it can be run on both AC and DC. Three-phase motors are normally used in factories.

    Single-phase Motors and Types

    • Single-phase motors are normally found in households. They use single-phase current. They are not suitable for heavy loads of work but can work efficiently if the correct size and rating are used for the proposed work. With perfunctory maintenance, these motors can last a long time. It is essential to choose the right horsepower and the right type of single-phase motor to avoid repeated failures. They may also be used in factory settings if it is not suitable to use a three-phase motor. Single-phase motors are inexpensive and are generally available in fraction horse powers. Some common household examples are mixers, hand drills, fans and other applications that require variable speed.

      The different types of AC single-phase motors are categorized simply by the means used to start the motor. The different types are split-phase motors and capacitor start. Capacitor start motors can be further classified as induction run and capacitor run.

    Three-phase Motors

    • Three-phase motors are typically used in the industrial arena. A large single-phase AC motor is not efficient and is expensive. Three-phase motors need three simultaneous overlapping AC cycles. They normally have three rotating coils through the magnetic field in a generator. The coils are placed 120 degrees apart so that they can run efficiently with the help of three-phase electricity. These are powerful motors used for heavy industrial use. They are efficient and are used to run industrial equipment smoothly. They are used to run three-phase pumps, blowers, conveyor drives, fans, compressors and other equipment.

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