Choosing the right motors is often the first step to ensure that your facility operates smoothly and efficiently.

As electric motors account for the vast majority of the power consumption of most facilities, they aren’t cheap to run. Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right motor. To be blunt, some motors operate better than others. Depending upon the application, you may need to make a change.

Unlike a TV remote, there is no such thing as a ‘universal’ motor. There is a multitude of tasks and environments for a host of industry types. Each of those specific applications has motors designed to work for them.

Your facility is no different. Walk through the building, and you’ll find motors of the various types and sizes. If you’re operating smaller equipment, look to see if you have a single-phase motor running it. If not, consider switching to a single-phase motor.

Single-phase motors have the reputation of lasting for a very long time, and if well maintained, they will work for a very long time.

Types of Single-Phase Motors

A single-phase motor is more efficient than a three-phase motor. When you need low horsepower, a single-phase motor is a good choice. A three-phase motor and single-phase motor resemble each other. They have similar construction; although, a single-phase motor has only a single supply to the stator.

There are several different types of single-phase motors, but they all work in the same manner. The real difference is the way they start. The following are some of the most common types:

Shaded pole motor

Shaded pole motors are very simple motors. They don’t use a capacitor, and their low efficiency makes them suitable for low power applications.

Split phase motor

Split phase motors don’t use capacitors either. They’re inexpensive and have a high starting current and low starting torque.

Permanent split capacitor motor (PSC)

A PSC motor is often called a single value capacitor motor. A PSC may use a centrifugal switch to drop the start phase once the motors build up speed.

Because a PSC uses a capacitor, it offers a higher starting torque and higher efficiency than motors with no capacitor.

Two value capacitor motor

The two value capacitor motor is like the PSC motor. The two value capacitor motors may use a centrifugal switch to cut out the start phase once the motor gets up to speed. It has higher starting torque and higher efficiency than motors with no capacitor.

Capacitor Start/Induction

Leeson has an excellent definition of the capacitor start/induction single-phase motors.

Capacitor start/induction run motors have several advantages over split-phase motors. Since the capacitor is in series with the start circuit, it creates more starting torque. That starting torque is within 200 to 400% of rated load. The starting current, usually 450 to 575% of rated current, is much lower than the split-phase because of the larger wire in the start circuit. This allows higher cycle rates and reliable thermal protection.

The cap-start/induction-run motor is more expensive than a comparable split phase design because of the additional cost of the start capacitor. But the application range is much wider because of higher starting torque and lower starting current

Advantages of Single-Phase Motors

The primary benefits of single-phase motor have over other motors are they cost less and need less maintenance. When maintained and sized correctly, single-phase motors last for many years of operation with very few, if any, problems.

Single-phase motors do have issues, which is why it is important to perform regular maintenance. Preventative maintenance often determines problems before they become serious. Problems with single-phase motors include:

• Slow Operation
• Overheating
• Difficulty Starting
• Electrical short-circuits near the motor housing

As with other motors, when these problems arise, repair or replace the single-phase motor.

In Sum

A single-phase motor is more capable than their three-phase cousins in particular circumstances. They’re cheaper, last longer, and easier to repair. Before leaping to change to single-phase motors, consult with a qualified electric motor expert. Learn as much as possible and make a well-informed decision.

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