What is the motor term for a device designed to run on both AC and DC?

Study for the NEIEP Electrical Theory and Application Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your exam and boost your knowledge in electrical theory!

Multiple Choice

What is the motor term for a device designed to run on both AC and DC?

Explanation:
The device designed to run on both AC and DC is the universal motor. It’s a series-wound brushed motor with a commutator, so the same current passes through both the field and the armature. On AC, the current and magnetic fields reverse each half cycle, but the construction keeps the torque in one direction, allowing rotation to continue. On DC, the commutator still provides the necessary torque direction as the rotor turns. This combination enables operation from either type of supply, which is why universal motors are common in portable tools and appliances. Induction and synchronous motors, by contrast, are designed for AC only and rely on rotating magnetic fields that don’t function with DC.

The device designed to run on both AC and DC is the universal motor. It’s a series-wound brushed motor with a commutator, so the same current passes through both the field and the armature. On AC, the current and magnetic fields reverse each half cycle, but the construction keeps the torque in one direction, allowing rotation to continue. On DC, the commutator still provides the necessary torque direction as the rotor turns. This combination enables operation from either type of supply, which is why universal motors are common in portable tools and appliances. Induction and synchronous motors, by contrast, are designed for AC only and rely on rotating magnetic fields that don’t function with DC.

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