Electric Motors

Electric motors are used in a wide range of industries and applications from home appliances, conveyors, air conditioning units, transportation equipment to industrial machinery. Here at Cromwell, we stock a range of electric motors from leading suppliers Universal Motors and Tec.

Why Electric motors?

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy . Unlike engines that use fossil fuels, electric motors are more durable as they have fewer moving parts, can operate at range of temperatures (including temperatures below zero) and are highly efficient.

Electric motor types

There are two main types of electric motor, AC motors and DC motors:
• AC motors (alternating current)  -   This type is when the circuit current reverses the direction of flow at regular intervals. They are powered by means of a single-phase or three-phase alternating current.
AC Synchronous motor  -   Always runs at a constant speed.
AC Asynchronous motor  -   Never runs at a specific speed.

• DC motors (direct current)  -   This type is when the circuit current remains at an almost constant with time.
There are 2 main types of DC motor:
Brushless motors  -   This type is powered by a direct current voltage supply and commutated electronically unlike conventional DC motors.
Brushed motors  -   Contains brushes and commutators motor is energized through conductive brushes.

FAQs

Which electric motor is more efficient AC or DC?
Electric AC motors are usually considered to be more powerful than electric DC motors as they are able to generate higher torque by using a more powerful current. However, electric DC motors are typically more efficient and make engineered to make better use of their input energy.

What is the difference between a single phase and 3 phase electric motor?
The single-phase motor has two terminals, which only needs two wires to power it up. However, the three-phase motor has three terminals that requires three or four wires to operate.