Parts of an AC Electric Motor

• Alternating current electric motors use electrical power to create a rotational force. These motors are used in everything from basic home appliances to the most complex hydroelectric power generating plants. The various motor components use the laws of electricity to convert electrical energy into a spinning motion.

Field Magnet

• One of the most important parts of an AC electric motor is the field magnet. The field magnet surrounds the electric motor and has two poles, north and south, that are opposite of each other in magnetic charge. These magnets put out a magnetic force that interacts with other parts of the electric motor to cause them to spin within the magnetic field. Field magnets are often permanent magnets, meaning that they require no electrical power to operate, unlike an electromagnet, which does require electric power for operation.

Armature

• An armature is made by coiling copper wire around a minimum of two poles of a metal core. This armature will then spin back and forth, powered by the supply of electricity from the electromagnet that is run through each end of the armature where the poles are connected. Armatures are assisted in their motion around the axle, or portion of the motor that they spin around, by the commutator, which assists in the changing of the electromagnetic field.

Commutator

• The commutator is the portion of the AC electric motor that changes the electromagnetic field around the armature, causing the armature to spin and the motor to revolve. The commutator transmits the electromagnetic charge to the armature by means of a pair of brushes, which are small metal pieces attached to springs that contact each pole of the armature and are connected to the commutator. These brushes are often intended to be replaced, as they will wear down with constant use.