Electric motors manufacturers supply their product for all sorts of needs. Nearly every appliance you come across on a daily basis runs on an electric motor. As a general rule, anything that needs batteries or an electrical outlet to function has an electric motor turning inside it.

That said, it is easy to deduce that you use a number of electric motors in your business right now, especially if you manufacturer products of any kind. The machinery that helps you to sew fabric, cut metal or box products likely runs on an electric motor. As you consider all of the ways you could be using electric motors, remember the following:

1. Electric motors manufacturers now provide motors for vehicles.

2. Industrial electric motors likely power all of the equipment you use to manufacturer your product.

3. A basic understanding of electric motor info will help further your career in electrical engineering.

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Buy electric motor vehicles for your employees

The concept of going green is spreading like wildfire. In an attempt to help reduce emissions and our dependence upon oil, car manufacturers are working to produce better vehicles. Electric motor vehicles are a result of these technological advancements. Using these vehicles as company cars will not only help the environment but will also serve to support further advancement in the electric motor industry.

I recommend: Find further information on the use of electric motors in vehicles and a list of motors by voltage, manufacturer or application at Electric Vehicles USA. Tesla Motors in California only builds vehicles with electric motors.

Use an industrial electric motor to power your production machinery

Most industrial companies, such as factories, use large machines to help make the products they provide. Electric motors likely power these machines in your business, and, therefore, you will occasionally need to purchase new parts, obtain repairs and possibly even replace the motors.

I recommend: Tower Electric Motor Company offers a variety of electric motors, including those that are custom made to fit your needs. Go to Electric Motor Warehouse for a large variety of electric motors, parts and accessories to choose from. Click on the home page link for even more choices.

Take electric motors apart to learn how they work

If you wish to go into the electrical engineering field, you will need a clear understanding of how an electric motor works. In addition to taking classes to obtain an electrical engineering degree, consider purchasing used electric motors to take apart, repair and put back together in order to further advance your skills.

I recommend: Purchase used electric motors based on desired horsepower from Online Electric Motors. Surplus Record Machinery & Equipment Directory, an online marketplace, provides a list of various types of used electrical motors for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use electric motors to power your career too. Obtain a degree in electrical engineering, and you can start a business as an electric motor manufacturer, a distributor of electric motors or a repair service.

In an industrial setting, electric motors can be the best means to power anything from fans to conveyor belts. If you're opening a new facility or need to replace an old motor, you can find an electric motor manufacturer selling their products online. Purchase new or used electric motors or buy electric motor parts from an online distributor.

The electric motor industry manufactures machines for any application necessary. General purpose industrial electric motors are sold by plenty of dealers online, but if you're looking for a motor that can withstand high voltage spikes created by variable frequency drives, consider purchasing an inverter-duty motor. This type of industrial electric motor costs more, but is more reliable if you expect to experience voltage spikes.

When buying electric motors here are some options to keep in mind that may help you choose the best product:

1. Look for an electric motor manufacturer that builds custom machines to fit your personal requirements.

2. Stay aware of how a motor is performing. Buy an electric motor that gives you realtime motor feedback.

3. Buy electric motor parts or used motors to save money or perform repairs to a malfunctioning model

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Buy industrial inverter-duty electric motors

They may cost more than a standard general purpose motor, but inverter-duty motors can also withstand high voltage spikes that standard electric motors cannot. The inverter-duty motor is a newer concept in the electric motor industry, and though the general purpose motor remains the standard option, an inverter-duty may be just the motor you need to keep your machinery running.

I recommend: Bodine Electric sells a full line of their Pacesetter inverter-duty motors on their website. Browse their selection of AC, parallel shaft AC, and right angle AC motors. Automation Direct also sells a number of inverter-duty motors. If you're unsure whether you need an inverter-duty or general purpose motor, see their guide on choosing an AC motor.

Search for the electric motor you need by exact specification

If you know the product number of the motor you're looking for, or the specifications of the product you need, use the Internet to find an electric motor distributor that sells the exact motor you require

I recommend: Search by electric motor specification on GlobalSpec.com to receive a list of suppliers that carry the product you're searching for.

Receive feedback on the performance of your electric motor

If you want to know how your motor is performing, set up an encoder on your motor to measure its effectiveness.

I recommend: Encoder Products creates and sells custom encoders that use sensing technologies to give feedback on motor performance for a variety of electrical motor applications. If you're not sure whether an encoder would be useful, see their page detailing typical usage.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying a new electric motor, always get a warranty to ensure that you'll have a working product for years to come. If possible, buy from local suppliers who can perform immediate maintenance on your motor model should it stop functioning and you're unable to fix it yourself.

Electric motors transfer electrical energy into mechanical energy with the use of electromagnets. Basically, the attracting and repelling ends of magnets (same sides repel and opposites attract) create motion in the motor. These motors are in virtually everything in your business or home that requires a battery or plugs into an outlet.

If an appliance or piece of machinery breaks down, it’s important to have a general understanding of electric motors basics in order to determine if you need repairs or parts or need to replace the motor all together. Additionally, a strong knowledge of electric motors can result in business possibilities. Consider the following:

1. With a degree in electrical engineering, you can provide a product or service in the electric motor industry.

2. Everyday appliances and some vehicles use electric motors to function.

3. You can buy electric motors and replacement parts for your industrial machinery.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start a business in the electric motor industry

As technology continues to advance, the need for electric motors in everything will amplify. If you grasp the way these motors work, then you can manufacturer new and improved versions or start a repair business. Retailers are just as important, as they bring the product to the public.

I recommend: The first step to starting an electric motor manufacturing or repair business is to obtain an electrical engineering degree. Consider doing so online through services like eLearners.com. Consider becoming an electrical motor distributor like Pontiac Electric Motor Works, or provide electric motor repair services for homeowners like WT Bowling Appliance.

Operate everyday appliances with electric motors

Appliances and small machines that you use every day in your business run on the power provided by an electric motor. Hard drives for your computer, fans to keep your employees comfortable, coffee makers to keep your energy booster coming and practically everything else in front of you needs an electric motor to function. Technology has even brought the development of cars that run on electric motors in order to reduce emissions and expenses. They're everywhere.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy has rules and regulations in place regarding the functions of small electric motors found in most appliances. Buy electric motor replacement parts from Do It Best.

Run your machinery with an industrial electric motor

If you operate any sort of factory or industrial business, practically every piece of machinery your employees use functions by the power provided with an electric motor. These larger models, due to extreme use and heat, typically require more maintenance than the motor in your coffee maker. And it is usually cheaper to replace individual parts when they malfunction rather than purchase an entirely new motor.

I recommend: Visit Global Sources to find an electric motor manufacturer or supplier of industrial and vehicle electric motors. Visit AutomationDirect for information on prices and functions of industrial electric motors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many manufacturers of electric motors now offer inverter-duty motors. They are more expensive than general purpose motors but are able to handle higher voltage spikes and long-term use. Many industrial companies use inverter-duty motors for more reliable performance from their large machinery.

Electric motors make up some of the most useful and varied power sources for industries and businesses. They are often a necessary part of running organizations, from new, fledgling businesses to established company entities that need to replace their electric motors. Such devices may not only be used for general purposes, but also for specialized tasks and objectives as well. Different electric motors are capable of accomplishing alternate actions and, as a result, becoming familiar with electric motors key terms can offer an explanation as to the intricacies and nuances of such equipment.

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Multi-speed motors

Multi-speed motors have been wound in such a way that varying connections at the starter are able to alternate their speed to coincide with a predetermined speed. While two speed multi-speed motors are the most popular, three and four speed motors may also be available to consumers. Such motors may also possess one or two sets of windings, constant torque, variable torque and/or constant horsepower.

I recommend: A definition of multi-speed electric motors may be found at TooLingu.com. Additional information for the sizing and requirements of such electric motors is provided on ECMWeb.com.

Revolutions per minute (RPM)

Revolutions per minute is abbreviated with the acronym RPM. This value represents the number of times, each minute, that the shaft of the motor, also known as the machine, is able to rotate. It is a design function as well as the power supply of the motor.

I recommend: For a more detailed explanation of revolutions per minute and other electric motor basics, consider SawDustMaking.com or Britannica.com.

Alternating current

Alternating current is often abbreviated as AC. It is a common form of electrically powered motor and is able to change the direction of its flow or cycles.

I recommend: Alternating current is explored further on TechTarget.com.

Direct current

Direct current, abbreviated with the acronym DC, is an electric current for electric motors which flows in only one direction. Such electric currents may be continuous or discontinuous, as well as constant or varying.

I recommend: Direct current is explained in more depth at School-For-Champions.com.

Torque

The force to turn, which is delivered to the electric motor by the motor or shaft, is known as torque. This value is determined by the calculation of the horsepower of the motor multiplied by 5250 revolutions per minute, which results in the full torque load of the motor.

I recommend: For more information about the torque of a motor or device, go to WWU.edu.

Losses

Electrical motors are able to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. However, when this happens, losses occur. Losses are the energy that has been put into the electric motor, but which has also been unable to convert to usable power. Instead, the energy is converted into heat. Losses often cause the temperature of motor parts to increase.

I recommend: ControlDesign.com discusses electric motor losses, in particular Joule-effect losses, which are the most significant in AC electric motors.