How Does a DC Motor Single Phase Work?

By David Dunning, eHow Contributor

 
 
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A direct current (DC) electric motor essentially consists of a coil of wire or rotor that rotates in a magnetic field. Current is supplied to the coil, via two strips of carbon (brushes) that make contact with a split ring (commutator) as the coil rotates, and creates a magnetic field around it.

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1. Magnetic Field

   • The coil is mounted on an axle between the poles of a permanent magnet. The interaction between the magnetic fields creates a turning force, or torque, on the coil, which causes it to rotate.

   Brushes

   • When the coil turns through 90 degrees and reaches the horizontal position, the brushes temporarily lose contact with the coil and the current ceases. However, the coil continues to rotate under its own momentum, past this so-called break point, current flows in the opposite direction and the coil continues to rotate.

   Speed

   • The speed of a DC motor depends on the current and voltage of the electricity flowing through the coil. Therefore, it can be controlled by taps in the coil winding or varying the voltage from the power supply.
     
     

     Things You'll Need

     • Rotational 1 phase to 3 phase converter
     • Screwdriver
     • Socket wrench set

     Instructions

     1. • 1
          Shut off power to the single phase source that will provide power to the one-to-three phase converter. Remember safety first when working with electricity.
        • 2
          Connect the red and black single phase power lines of the single phase source to the single phase terminal connections on the one-to-three phase converter. These terminal connection are usually screw or bolt-type connections. They can be loosened or tightened with a screwdriver or socket wrench.
        • 3
          Locate the three phase connections on the phase converter. Connect each phase wire of the new motor to the phase connectors of the converter by connecting the black wire to L1, red wire to L2 and blue wire to L3. L1, L2 and L3 are the phase connections on the converter. Some converters have a standardized plug so that the new motor can be plugged in with minimal trouble.