AC Motors

AC motors are driven by an alternating current, and are a highly efficient way of turning electrical energy into mechanical motion. AC motors differ from Direct Current Motors in that they do not include brushes, meaning less need for maintenance and a typically longer life expectancy. Unlike DC motors, the output speed for AC motors is typically controlled by a frequency drive control.

Types
The RS Range of AC motors includes the following:

• Induction Motors: Typically used in kitchen appliances, automobiles and industrial machinery, induction motors have an output rotation speed that is proportional to its applied frequency of alternate current.
• Synchronous Motors: So called because the speed of the rotor is proportional to the stator, synchronous AC motors are used where accuracy is an important factor, such as clocks and timers.
• Squirrel Cage Motors: A type of induction motor that uses cage rotor instead of a wound rotors, and as such is considered to be more rugged and less maintenance heavy. Squirrel cage induction motors are often used in applications where a low starting torque is required and no speed control is needed, such as pumps and compressors.
• Shaded Pole Motor: A single phase squirrel cage motor that uses an auxiliary winding composed of either a copper ring or bar, called a shading coil. Unlike standard squirrel cage motors they are suited for multiple speeds, and are often used in fans.