Electric Motors Key Terms

Supercharge your knowledge of electric motors by becoming familiar with key terms and jargon

By Christine Foley

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.

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