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MOTORS AND ACTUATORS 10

Motors are simply devices that take in power and generate movement. Most motors
convert the power to a magnetic field using coils. A few motors do not use coils, and
we’ll discuss them later.
The power fed in to the motor coils can come from the AC power mains, DC power
supplies, or from controllers that control the coils for specific purposes. Motors are
divided into classes based on the type of power they use.

AC Motors

Most motors in use today are AC motors designed for medium to heavy-duty work.
They are present in most motorized appliances that use AC power. They are inexpen-
sive because they do not require complicated construction and because they are built in
large quantities. Motors differ in their construction, speed control, cooling methods,
control systems, size, and weight.

Construction AC motors have the coils built in to the outside casing (the sta-
tor) and magnets that spin in the middle (on the rotor).
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