What is an AC Motor?

An AC motor is an electric motor which converts AC (Alternating Current) into mechanical power. This
mechanical energy is created from the force exerted by the

An AC motor is an electric motor which converts AC (Alternating Current) into mechanical power. This
mechanical energy is created from the force exerted by the rotating magnetic fields produced by the
alternating current that flows through the motor's coils.

How does an AC Motor work?

An AC motor consists of two main components: the stator and the rotor. The stator is the stationary part of the motor, consisting of several thin laminations wound with an insulated wire, forming the core. The stator is constructed with slots that hold the conductors (windings), which carry the current. These conductors are insulated from each other to prevent short-circuiting. The number of slots and windings are configured to a specific pole count; the lower the pole count, the higher the rated speed. Speed from an AC Motor is defined as RPM = 120*F/P where F is the frequency (Hz) of the supply voltage and P is the number of poles.

The rotor is connected to the shaft of the motor. The most common type of rotor used in an AC motor is the squirrel cage rotor, named after its resemblance to rodent exercise wheels. The rotor is balanced by bearings on the motor housing which surrounds the stator. Typically, motor housings are a steel constructed heat sink that reduces heat generation in the laminated windings and protects the windings and rotor from being damaged.