3 Phase Induction Motors vs Single Phase Induction Motors
When you’re shopping for industrial electric motors, you may have noticed that there are both single-phase and three phase induction motors to choose from. It can be hard to know which motor is right for you without understanding some of the key differences. In this post, we will explore both of these types of motors, and help you identify which kind of motor will best suit your application.
What is a single phase motor?
Single phase motors contain two wires and use a single alternating voltage. The main benefit of single phase motors is that they require less power to run than 3 phase induction motors. However, they are also somewhat underpowered compared to 3 phase alternatives.
Types of single phase motors
Common types of single phase motors include:
- Two-valve capacitor motors
- Capacitor-start motors
- Permanent-split capacitor motors
- Split-phase motors
- Wound-rotor motors
- Shaded-pole motors
Benefits & applications of single phase motors
In general, single phase motors require less maintenance and may therefore last longer. However, they have limited torque and only offer up to about 10 horsepower. These types of motors are more common in non-industrial settings. They can also be a good choice for smaller industrial units including drills, fans, pumps, and compressors.
What is a three phase motor?
A three phase motor includes an additional wire providing voltage to the system. In the three phase configuration, there are at least 3 wires, and 6 coils placed around the rotor. They are equally spaced 120 degrees apart from each other. This configuration means that three phase motors are able to provide more constant current as the rotor spins. The logic is simple, with a single phase configuration the rotor is only able to deliver current at a single contact point for every 360 degree rotation. In a three phase motor, it is able to deliver current 3 times for every rotation. The result is that three phase motors are 150% more powerful than an equivalent single phase motor.
Types of three phase motors
There are numerous types of three phase motors. Some of the most common include:
- Plain or squirrel cage induction motors
- Double squirrel cage motors
- Slip-ring or wound-rotor induction motors
Benefits & applications of three phase motors
Three phase motors have many benefits. They are more powerful, more efficient and less noisy to operate than single phase motors. They are also more broadly applicable in industrial applications. They can be used to power conveyors, manufacturing equipment, pumps, grinding machines and more.
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