Split-Phase Induction Motors (Explained Simply)

A split-phase motor is a type of single-phase induction motor that is designed to be self-

starting. Normal single-phase induction motors cannot start on their own, so split-phase
motors use an extra starting winding to help them start.

How It Works

A split-phase motor has two windings inside the stator:

1. Main (Running) Winding – Thick wire with low resistance and high inductance.

2. Starting (Auxiliary) Winding – Thin wire with high resistance and low inductance.

These windings are placed 90° apart electrically and are both connected to the power supply
when the motor starts.

 The starting winding creates a small phase difference in current, which produces a
rotating magnetic field.

 This initial rotation gets the motor moving.

 Once the motor reaches about 75–80% of full speed, a centrifugal switch automatically
disconnects the starting winding, leaving only the main winding running.

Types of Split-Phase Motors

There are different ways to improve the phase-splitting effect, leading to three main types of
split-phase motors:

1. Inductor-Start Inductor-Run Motor

 Uses a special inductor in the circuit to improve starting.

 Has low starting torque (not very strong at starting).

 Noisy operation.

 Used in oil burners, washing machines, grinders, air blowers.

2. Capacitor-Start Motor

 Uses a capacitor in series with the starting winding.

 Provides stronger starting torque than inductor-start motors.

 Once the motor reaches 75–80% speed, the capacitor and start winding are
disconnected.

 Used in pumps, compressors, refrigerators, air conditioners.

3. Permanent-Split Capacitor (PSC) Motor

 A capacitor stays in the circuit permanently (not just for starting).

 No centrifugal switch is needed.

 Runs more smoothly and quietly than other types.

 Used in fans, office machines, blowers, heaters.

Advantages of Split-Phase Motors

✔ Simple & cheap – Easy to manufacture and maintain.

✔ Reliable – No need for an external starter.
✔ Can be reversed – By switching the connections of one winding.

Disadvantages

✖ Not very powerful – Usually limited to less than 1 HP.

✖ Not very efficient – Low power factor and efficiency.
✖ Limited speed control – Only runs at a constant speed.

Where Are They Used?

Because they are cheap, reliable, and easy to use, split-phase motors are found in:
🏠 Home appliances – Washing machines, fans, blenders
🏭 Small industrial tools – Drills, grinders, air compressors
🏢 Office machines – Printers, copiers

Summary

 Split-phase motors use an extra starting winding to help them start.

 Once running, a centrifugal switch disconnects the starting winding.

 They come in three types: inductor-start, capacitor-start, and PSC motors.

 They are commonly used in small household and industrial applications.

1. Main (Running) Winding – Thick Wire, Low Resistance, High Inductance

 Why thick wire?

o Thick wire can handle more current without overheating.

o The main winding needs to carry the full running current of the motor, so it must
be strong and durable.

 Why low resistance?

o Low resistance reduces energy loss as heat and improves efficiency.

 Why high inductance?

o More turns of wire = higher inductance.

o High inductance delays the current flow (lags the voltage), creating a phase
difference with the starting winding.

o This phase difference is what allows the motor to start!

🔹 Function: The main winding is the primary power source of the motor once it starts running.

2. Starting (Auxiliary) Winding – Thin Wire, High Resistance, Low Inductance

 Why thin wire?

o The starting winding is only used for a few seconds at startup, so it doesn’t need
to handle high current for a long time.

o Thinner wire helps keep the cost and size of the motor low.

 Why high resistance?

o High resistance helps create a larger phase shift between the current in the main
and starting windings.

o This phase shift is what makes the motor start rotating.

 Why low inductance?

o Fewer turns of wire = lower inductance.

o Lower inductance means the current in the starting winding is more in phase
with the voltage, helping create the necessary starting torque.

🔹 Function: The starting winding creates the initial rotation but is disconnected once the motor
reaches 75–80% of full speed.

Key Takeaway

 The main winding is built for continuous operation → thick wire, low resistance, high
inductance.

 The starting winding is designed for short-term use → thin wire, high resistance, low
inductance.

 Their different properties create a phase difference that helps start the motor!

Constructional Features of a Split-Phase Motor (Explained Simply)

A split-phase motor has two main parts:

1. Stator (stationary part) – Creates the magnetic field.

2. Rotor (rotating part) – Spins to produce mechanical motion.

1. Stator – The Heart of the Motor

The stator is the fixed (non-moving) part of the motor. It contains two separate windings inside
slots of a laminated iron core:

🌀 Main (Running) Winding

 Made of thicker copper wire with more turns.

 Placed deep inside the slots of the stator.

 Has low resistance but high inductance (reacts more to changes in current).

 Purpose: Carries most of the power when the motor is running.

⚡ Starting (Auxiliary) Winding

 Made of thinner copper wire with fewer turns.

 Placed closer to the surface of the stator slots.

 Has higher resistance and lower inductance (allows current to flow quickly).

 Purpose: Helps to create a phase shift at startup, making the motor self-starting.

2. Rotor – The Moving Part

The rotor is the rotating part inside the stator. It’s typically a squirrel-cage rotor, which means:

 Made of aluminum or copper bars placed inside laminated iron sheets.

 The bars are short-circuited by rings on both ends, forming a closed electrical loop.

 As the magnetic field from the stator changes, it induces a current in the rotor, making
it spin.

🔹 Why is it called a "squirrel cage" rotor?

If you look at the structure, it resembles a cylindrical cage, like one used by squirrels for running
exercises!

3. Centrifugal Switch – The Automatic Cut-Off

A centrifugal switch is attached to the motor shaft and has a very important job:
✔ At startup, it keeps the starting winding connected.
✔ When the motor reaches about 75–80% of full speed, the switch automatically disconnects
the starting winding.
✔ This allows the motor to run only on the main winding, improving efficiency.

If the starting winding stayed connected too long, it could overheat and burn out.

4. Motor Housing & Bearings

 The entire motor is enclosed in a strong housing made of metal or plastic to protect the
parts.

 Bearings are used to reduce friction and allow smooth rotation of the rotor.

Summary of Constructional Features

1️⃣ Stator: Holds the main and starting windings.

2️⃣ Rotor: A squirrel-cage type that spins inside the stator.
3️⃣ Centrifugal Switch: Automatically turns off the starting winding after the motor reaches
speed.
4️⃣ Housing & Bearings: Protects the motor and ensures smooth rotation.

Principle of Operation of a Split-Phase Induction Motor (Explained Simply)

A split-phase motor is a type of single-phase induction motor that cannot start on its own
unless a special technique is used. The key to making it self-starting is the use of a starting
(auxiliary) winding to create a phase shift in current.

Step-by-Step Working Process

1. When the Motor is Switched ON

 The stator (stationary part) is energized by the AC supply, creating a magnetic field.

 Both the main winding and the starting winding are powered, but their electrical
properties are different:

o Main (running) winding has high inductance, which delays current flow.

o Starting (auxiliary) winding has high resistance, which allows current to flow
quickly.

 Because of these differences, the two currents do not reach their peaks at the same
time.

 This creates a phase difference, generating a rotating magnetic field that makes the
rotor start turning.

🔹 Think of it like pushing a merry-go-round: If two people push at different angles, the
roundabout spins more easily than if they pushed at the same time.

2. As the Motor Speeds Up

 The rotor picks up speed because of the interaction between the stator’s rotating field
and the rotor’s squirrel-cage structure.

 At about 75–80% of full speed, the motor no longer needs the starting winding.
3. The Centrifugal Switch Disconnects the Starting Winding

 A centrifugal switch is mounted on the rotor shaft.

 When the motor reaches high enough speed, the switch automatically disconnects the
starting winding from the power supply.

 Now, the motor continues running only on the main winding, like a normal single-phase
induction motor.

🔹 Why is the starting winding turned off?

 If it stayed on, it would overheat and burn out because of its thin wire and high
resistance.

4. The Motor Runs at a Constant Speed

 Once the motor is running, the rotor keeps chasing the rotating magnetic field created
by the main winding.

 The speed stays nearly constant depending on the load and supply frequency.

Reversing the Direction of Rotation

 The direction of rotation can be changed by swapping the connections of one of the
windings (either the main or auxiliary winding, but not both).

Key Takeaways

✔ The starting winding creates a phase shift, producing a rotating magnetic field.
✔ The rotor starts moving due to electromagnetic induction.
✔ A centrifugal switch disconnects the starting winding once the motor reaches 75–80%
speed.
✔ The motor then runs on the main winding alone at a nearly constant speed.
✔ The rotation direction can be changed by swapping winding connections.

Inductor-Start Inductor-Run Induction Motors (Explained Simply)

An Inductor-Start Inductor-Run Induction Motor is a type of split-phase induction motor that
uses an inductor (coil) instead of a capacitor to help start the motor.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Basic Structure

Like all split-phase motors, this motor has two windings in the stator:

 Main (Running) Winding – Thick wire, low resistance, high inductance.

 Starting (Auxiliary) Winding – Thin wire, high resistance, low inductance.

These windings are placed 90° apart electrically to create a phase difference when the motor
starts.

2. At Startup – Creating Rotation

 When the motor is powered, both the main winding and the starting winding are
energized.

 The starting winding has a higher resistance and creates a lagging current that is out of
phase with the main winding current.

 This phase difference produces a rotating magnetic field, which helps the rotor start
turning.

🔹 Why is it called an Inductor-Start motor?

 Instead of a capacitor, an inductor is used to improve the phase shift.

3. As the Motor Speeds Up

 Once the motor reaches about 75–80% of full speed, a centrifugal switch automatically
disconnects the starting winding from the power supply.

 Now, the motor continues running on only the main winding.

4. Motor Runs Steadily

 The rotor keeps spinning due to the interaction with the rotating magnetic field in the
stator.

 The motor runs at a nearly constant speed, determined by the supply frequency and the
motor design.
Torque-Speed Characteristics

 Low starting torque (weaker than capacitor-start motors).

 Torque increases as speed increases.

 Once above 85% of full speed, the main winding alone produces sufficient torque for
normal operation.

 Noisy operation due to power pulsations at twice the supply frequency.

Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Simple & Cheap – No capacitor needed, so it's affordable.

✅ Reliable – Fewer components mean less maintenance.
✅ Good for light loads – Works well in small machines.

❌ Low Starting Torque – Can’t start heavy loads easily.

❌ Noisy – Creates vibrations due to pulsating torque.
❌ Not efficient for high-power applications – Limited to ¾ HP or less.

Where is it Used?

Because of its low cost and low starting torque, it is used in:
🏠 Household appliances – Washing machines, dishwashers
🏭 Small industrial tools – Grinders, small drills
💨 Air movement devices – Blowers, fans, oil burners

Summary

✔ Uses an inductor instead of a capacitor to create a phase shift at startup.

✔ Two windings: Main (running) winding and Starting (auxiliary) winding.
✔ Centrifugal switch disconnects the starting winding after reaching 75–80% speed.
✔ Simple, low-cost motor with low starting torque and noisy operation.
✔ Used in small household and industrial machines where high starting torque is not needed
Capacitor-Start Induction-Run Motors (Explained Simply)

A Capacitor-Start Induction-Run Motor is a type of split-phase induction motor that uses a

capacitor to create a better phase shift, improving its starting torque.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Basic Structure

Like all split-phase motors, it has two windings in the stator:

 Main (Running) Winding – Thick wire, low resistance, high inductance.

 Starting (Auxiliary) Winding – Thin wire, high resistance, low inductance.

 Capacitor – Placed in series with the starting winding to improve the phase difference.

🔹 Why Use a Capacitor?

 In a regular split-phase motor, the phase shift between the main and starting windings is
small.

 A capacitor increases the phase shift, creating a stronger rotating magnetic field.

 This gives the motor a higher starting torque (3 to 4.5 times full-load torque).

2. At Startup – Creating Rotation

 When power is applied, both the main winding and starting winding (with the
capacitor) are energized.

 The capacitor creates a larger phase difference between the two winding currents.

 This produces a stronger rotating magnetic field, which helps the rotor start spinning
quickly and powerfully.

3. As the Motor Speeds Up

 When the rotor reaches 75–80% of full speed, a centrifugal switch automatically
disconnects the capacitor and starting winding.

 The motor continues running only on the main winding as a standard single-phase
induction motor.
4. Motor Runs at Full Speed

 After disconnection, the motor operates efficiently with a smooth rotation.

 The capacitor and starting winding are no longer needed, preventing overheating.

Torque-Speed Characteristics

 High starting torque (better than inductor-start motors).

 Once it starts, it runs like a normal induction motor.

 The torque is steady at full speed, making it useful for high-load applications.

Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Higher Starting Torque – Can handle heavy loads at startup.

✅ More Efficient than Inductor-Start Motors – The capacitor improves power factor.
✅ Can Start Large Appliances – Used in compressors, pumps, and machines.

❌ More Expensive – The capacitor adds cost.

❌ More Components to Maintain – Capacitors can fail over time.
❌ Centrifugal Switch is Required – Adds complexity to the design.

Where is it Used?

Because of its high starting torque, it is used in:

🏠 Home Appliances – Air conditioners, large washing machines
🏭 Industrial Machines – Drilling machines, compressors
🚰 Water Pumps – For home and industrial water systems

Comparison with Inductor-Start Induction-Run Motors

Feature Capacitor-Start Motor Inductor-Start Motor

Starting Torque High (3–4.5x full load) Low (harder to start heavy loads)

Phase Shift Better (due to capacitor) Weaker (inductor not as

Feature Capacitor-Start Motor Inductor-Start Motor

effective)

Efficiency Higher Lower

More expensive (capacitor & switch

Cost Cheaper
needed)

Noise Quieter Noisier

Best for Heavy loads like compressors, pumps Light loads like fans, blowers

Summary

✔ Uses a capacitor to improve the phase shift and increase starting torque.
✔ Two windings: Main (running) winding & Starting (auxiliary) winding with capacitor.
✔ Centrifugal switch disconnects the capacitor and starting winding once the motor reaches
75–80% speed.
✔ More powerful than inductor-start motors and used for heavier loads.
✔ Common in pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators, and industrial machines.

Types of Capacitor Motors (Explained Simply)

Capacitor motors are a type of single-phase induction motor that use a capacitor to improve
starting or running performance. They are divided into three main types, each with different
characteristics.

1. Capacitor-Start Induction-Run Motor (Capacitor-Start Motor)

This motor uses a capacitor only during startup to increase starting torque.

How It Works:

 The capacitor is connected in series with the starting (auxiliary) winding.

 It creates a strong phase shift, producing high starting torque (3–4.5 times full-load
torque).
 Once the motor reaches 75–80% of full speed, a centrifugal switch disconnects the
capacitor and starting winding.

 The motor then runs on the main winding alone.

Advantages:

✅ High starting torque – Can start heavy loads.

✅ Better efficiency than inductor-start motors.
✅ Good for industrial and household machines.

Disadvantages:

❌ Requires a centrifugal switch – Adds complexity.

❌ Higher cost – Because of the capacitor.

Common Uses:

🏠 Home appliances – Air conditioners, large washing machines.

🏭 Industrial machines – Compressors, pumps, and refrigeration units.

2. Permanent-Split Capacitor-Run Motor (Single-Value Capacitor-Run Motor)

This motor uses a single capacitor for both starting and running, so there is no centrifugal
switch.

How It Works:

 The capacitor stays permanently connected in series with the starting winding.

 The motor starts with low to moderate torque.

 It runs smoother and quieter than other types because the capacitor improves power
factor and efficiency.

Advantages:

✅ No centrifugal switch needed – Less maintenance.

✅ Quiet operation – Good for office or home use.
✅ Higher efficiency – Better power factor than capacitor-start motors.

Disadvantages:

❌ Low starting torque – Cannot start heavy loads.

❌ Compromised performance – The capacitor value is a balance between starting and running
conditions.
Common Uses:

💨 Fans and blowers – Exhaust and intake fans.

🏢 Office machines – Printers, copiers.
🔥 Unit heaters – Small heating systems.

3. Two-Value Capacitor-Run Motor

This motor uses two capacitors:

1. A large capacitor for starting (electrolytic type).

2. A smaller capacitor for running (oil-filled type).

How It Works:

 At startup, both capacitors are connected in parallel to the starting winding, providing
high starting torque.

 Once the motor reaches 75–80% of full speed, a centrifugal switch disconnects the
large capacitor, leaving only the smaller capacitor in the circuit.

 The motor then runs more efficiently with the smaller capacitor.

Advantages:

✅ High starting torque – Can start heavy loads.

✅ Quiet operation – Smoother than capacitor-start motors.
✅ Better efficiency – Runs with lower current and higher power factor.

Disadvantages:

❌ More expensive – Uses two capacitors and a centrifugal switch.

❌ More complex – Requires additional wiring.

Common Uses:

🏠 Air conditioners – Compressor motors.

🏭 Heavy-duty applications – Industrial machines that need high starting torque.

Comparison of Capacitor Motors

Permanent-Split Two-Value Capacitor
Feature Capacitor-Start Motor
Capacitor Motor Motor

Number of 2 (one for starting, one

1 (only for starting) 1 (used permanently)
Capacitors for running)

Low (50–100% of full High (like capacitor-start

Starting Torque High (3–4.5x full load)
load) motor)

Running
Moderate High Very High
Efficiency

Very Low (smooth

Noise Level Moderate Low (very quiet)
operation)

Centrifugal No (capacitor stays Yes (disconnects starting

Yes (disconnects capacitor)
Switch? connected) capacitor)

Pumps, compressors, Fans, office machines, Air conditioners, heavy-

Best For
washing machines blowers duty machines

Summary

✔ Capacitor-Start Induction-Run Motor → Uses a capacitor only for starting, then runs on the
main winding. Good for heavy loads.
✔ Permanent-Split Capacitor-Run Motor → Uses one capacitor permanently, runs quietly, but
has low starting torque.
✔ Two-Value Capacitor-Run Motor → Uses two capacitors, one for starting and one for
running, best efficiency and quiet operation.

Shaded-Pole Motors (Explained Simply)

A shaded-pole motor is the simplest and cheapest type of single-phase induction motor. It is
designed for low-power applications and has a unique way of starting using a shading coil
instead of an extra winding or capacitor.

1. Constructional Features
A shaded-pole motor has:
✔ Stator with Salient Poles – The stator has projecting (salient) poles instead of a distributed
winding.
✔ Shading Coil (Copper Ring) – A thick copper band is wrapped around part of each pole. This
is called the shading coil.
✔ Rotor (Squirrel Cage Type) – The rotor is a squirrel-cage type, similar to other induction
motors.
✔ Main Exciting Coil – This coil surrounds the entire shaded pole and provides the magnetic
field.

🔹 Why is it called a "shaded-pole motor"?

Because a portion of each stator pole is covered ("shaded") by a copper ring.

2. Principle of Operation – How It Works

Unlike other single-phase motors, the shaded-pole motor does not have a starting winding or
capacitor. Instead, it uses a shading coil to create a weak rotating magnetic field.

Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ When power is applied, an alternating current (AC) flows through the main coil, producing
a magnetic field.
2️⃣ This magnetic field cuts across the shading coil (copper ring), inducing a voltage in it.
3️⃣ According to Lenz’s Law, the shading coil opposes the change in the main field, delaying the
magnetic flux in the shaded area.
4️⃣ Because of this delay, the flux is stronger on one side of the pole than the other, creating a
small phase shift.
5️⃣ This shifting flux produces a weak rotating magnetic field, causing the rotor to start
spinning.

🔹 Think of it like a rolling wave on a beach: The delay in flux makes it "push" the rotor in one
direction.

3. Torque and Speed Characteristics

 Very Low Starting Torque – The shaded-pole motor has the weakest starting torque
among all induction motors.

 Constant Speed Operation – Runs at a fixed speed, slightly below synchronous speed.
 High Slip – The motor’s efficiency is low because the rotor does not catch up with the
magnetic field easily.

4. Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Simple & Cheap – No starting winding, capacitor, or centrifugal switch needed.

✅ Rugged & Reliable – Fewer parts mean less maintenance.
✅ Small Size – Perfect for low-power applications.

❌ Very Low Starting Torque – Cannot start heavy loads.

❌ Low Efficiency (30–40%) – Wastes a lot of energy.
❌ Fixed Rotation Direction – Cannot be easily reversed.

5. Where is it Used?

Because of its low cost, simplicity, and quiet operation, shaded-pole motors are used in:
💨 Fans & Blowers – Table fans, exhaust fans.
🔊 Small Appliances – Hairdryers, cooling fans in refrigerators.
Rotating Display Stands – Store-window displays.
🎶 Turntables & Phonographs – Used in old music players.

Summary

✔ Shaded-pole motors are the simplest type of induction motor.

✔ They use a shading coil (copper ring) to create a weak rotating magnetic field.
✔ Very low starting torque, making them suitable only for light loads.
✔ Used in fans, hairdryers, and small appliances.

The torque of a shaded-pole motor is not uniform and varies from instant to instant because
the motor does not create a true rotating magnetic field like other single-phase induction
motors. Instead, it relies on a weak and shifting magnetic field created by the shading coil.

Why is the Torque Not Uniform?

1. Magnetic Field is Not Symmetrical

 In motors like capacitor-start motors, the stator creates a strong, continuously rotating
magnetic field, which smoothly drives the rotor.

 However, in a shaded-pole motor, the stator field is not fully rotating—it only shifts
slightly from one side of the pole to the other.

 Because the movement of the field is uneven, the torque generated is also uneven.

2. Weak and Pulsating Starting Torque

 The shading coil only delays the magnetic flux in one part of the pole, causing the field
to shift slightly rather than rotate fully.

 This weak movement results in pulsating torque, meaning the force driving the rotor is
not smooth.

3. Alternating Current (AC) Causes Flux to Change

 The motor runs on AC power, which means the magnetic flux naturally increases and
decreases with each cycle.

 Because the shading coil only affects part of the flux, the torque rises and falls with
every AC cycle, making it vary at different moments.

4. No True Two-Phase Effect

 In other motors, having two windings (like in split-phase or capacitor motors) creates a
90° phase shift, which gives a steady torque.

 In a shaded-pole motor, the phase shift is much smaller, so the torque is weaker and
uneven.

Key Takeaways

✔ Shaded-pole motors don’t have a true rotating magnetic field, only a weak shifting field.
✔ The alternating current causes flux to rise and fall, making torque pulsate.
✔ The torque is weak and varies at each instant, instead of being smooth and constant.

This is why shaded-pole motors are only used for light loads like fans and small appliances,
where high torque isn't needed.

Reluctance-Start Motors (Explained Simply)

A reluctance-start motor is a type of single-phase induction motor that uses the reluctance
principle to help start the rotor. Instead of using a capacitor or shading coil, it takes advantage
of the natural tendency of magnetic flux to follow the path of least resistance (low
reluctance).

1. Constructional Features

A reluctance-start motor has:

✔ Stator (Salient-Pole Type) – Similar to a regular single-phase induction motor, with a
distributed stator winding.
✔ Rotor (Squirrel-Cage Type) – The rotor has non-uniform air gaps created by a salient-pole
design in the stator.
✔ Variable Reluctance – The air gap between the rotor and stator is not uniform, causing a
difference in reluctance.

🔹 What is Reluctance?
Reluctance is like magnetic resistance—just like electricity prefers low resistance paths,
magnetic flux prefers paths with low reluctance.

2. Principle of Operation – How It Works

Unlike capacitor-start or shaded-pole motors, a reluctance-start motor does not have a

separate starting winding. Instead, it exploits reluctance differences to create a small rotating
effect that helps start the motor.

Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ When power is applied, AC current flows through the stator windings, producing a pulsating
magnetic field.
2️⃣ The salient-pole stator creates an uneven air gap, meaning different parts of the rotor
experience different reluctance levels.
3️⃣ The magnetic flux "prefers" the path of least reluctance, which causes a slight shifting
effect in the magnetic field.
4️⃣ This small phase shift creates a weak starting torque, which helps the rotor begin to turn.
5️⃣ Once the rotor starts moving, the motor behaves like a normal single-phase induction
motor, relying on standard induction principles.

🔹 Think of it like rolling a ball downhill—it will naturally follow the path of least resistance, just
like the magnetic flux in the motor.
3. Torque and Speed Characteristics

 Very Low Starting Torque – The reluctance effect creates only a weak initial push.

 Constant Speed Operation – Runs at a fixed speed, close to synchronous speed.

 Higher Slip than Capacitor Motors – Since the reluctance torque is weak, the rotor takes
longer to reach full speed.

4. Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Simple & Cheap – No need for extra capacitors or switches.

✅ Reliable – No extra parts that can fail.
✅ Works for Light Loads – Okay for small applications.

❌ Very Low Starting Torque – Cannot start heavy loads.

❌ Not Very Efficient – Energy is lost due to pulsating torque.
❌ Rarely Used – Shaded-pole motors are preferred for similar applications.

5. Where is it Used?

Because of its weak starting torque, reluctance-start motors are only used for:
💨 Fans & Blowers – Exhaust fans, cooling fans.
Small Rotating Displays – Light-load turntables.
🎶 Phonographs & Record Players – Small motorized devices.

🔹 Note: A reluctance-start motor is not the same as a reluctance motor, which is actually a
synchronous motor.

Summary

✔ Reluctance-start motors use the reluctance principle to start the rotor—no capacitor or
shading coil needed.
✔ They rely on uneven air gaps to create a weak rotating effect that helps the motor start.
✔ Very low starting torque, so they are only used for light loads.
✔ Not common today, as shaded-pole motors are preferred for similar applications.
Repulsion-Start Motors (Explained Simply)

A repulsion-start motor is a single-phase induction motor that uses magnetic repulsion to

create high starting torque. Unlike other motors, it has a commutator and brushes (like a DC
motor) to help it start. Once the motor reaches speed, the commutator is short-circuited, and
the motor runs as a normal induction motor.

1. Constructional Features

A repulsion-start motor has:

✔ Stator with Distributed Windings – Similar to a normal single-phase induction motor.
✔ Rotor with a Commutator – Instead of a squirrel-cage rotor, it has windings connected to a
commutator (like in DC motors).
✔ Brushes (Short-Circuited) – Carbon brushes rest on the commutator, but they do not connect
to an external power source.
✔ Brush Positioning Mechanism – The brushes are placed at an angle (not perpendicular) to
the stator field, which affects how the motor starts.

🔹 Why is it called a Repulsion-Start Motor?

Because the rotor starts moving due to magnetic repulsion between the stator and rotor fields.

2. Principle of Operation – How It Works

Unlike capacitor or split-phase motors, a repulsion-start motor does not use a starting winding.
Instead, it relies on the interaction between the stator field and the induced rotor current.

Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ When power is applied, the stator creates an alternating magnetic field.
2️⃣ This changing field induces a current in the rotor windings (since the brushes are shorted).
3️⃣ Because of the brush angle, the rotor windings create a magnetic field that repels the
stator field, producing a strong starting torque.
4️⃣ The rotor accelerates rapidly to about 75–80% of full speed.
5️⃣ At this point, a mechanism automatically lifts the brushes and short-circuits the
commutator segments, converting the rotor into a squirrel-cage type.
6️⃣ The motor now runs as a normal induction motor, operating efficiently without the
commutator.
🔹 Think of it like pushing magnets with the same poles facing each other—they repel, causing
motion!

3. Torque and Speed Characteristics

 High Starting Torque – Can handle heavy loads (better than capacitor-start motors).

 Fast Acceleration – Quickly reaches running speed.

 Constant Speed After Starting – Runs as a regular induction motor once brushes are
lifted.

4. Advantages & Disadvantages

✅ Extremely High Starting Torque – Ideal for heavy-duty applications.

✅ Low Starting Current – Unlike capacitor motors, it draws less power when starting.
✅ Smooth Running at Full Speed – Once the commutator is shorted, it runs efficiently.

❌ Complex Design – Has brushes and a commutator, which require maintenance.

❌ Expensive – More costly than capacitor-start motors.
❌ Noisy – Brushes can cause sparking and electrical noise.
❌ Cannot Reverse Easily – Brush position determines rotation direction.

5. Where is it Used?

Because of its high starting torque, repulsion-start motors are used in:
🏭 Heavy-Duty Machines – Presses, punch machines.
🚜 Industrial Applications – Large pumps, compressors.
🌀 High-Torque Equipment – Elevators, air conditioning compressors.

Summary

✔ Repulsion-start motors use a commutator and brushes to create magnetic repulsion,

producing high starting torque.
✔ Once the motor reaches speed, the commutator is shorted, and the motor runs as a normal
induction motor.
✔ More powerful than capacitor-start motors, but more expensive and harder to maintain.
✔ Used for heavy industrial applications where strong starting power is needed.