THE SINGLE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR AC MACHINE

MODULE 10 THE SINGLE-PHASE INDUCTION

MOTORS

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, you will;

1. Describe the basic operation of the following types of induction motors:

 split-phase motor (both single and dual voltage)
 capacitor start, induction run motor (both single and dual voltage)
 capacitor start, capacitor run motor with one capacitor
 capacitor start, capacitor run motor with two capacitors
 capacitor start, capacitor run motor having an autotransformer with one
capacitor
2. Compare the motors in the listing of objective 1 with regard to starting torque, speed
performance, and power factor at the rated load.

PROCEDURES: Try to read and understand the following:

INTRODUCTION

We use the single-phase power system more widely than three phase system for
domestic purposes, commercial purposes and some extent in industrial uses. Because, the
single-phase system is more economical than a three-phase system and the power
requirement in most of the houses, shops, offices are small, which can be easily met by a
single-phase system.

The single-phase motors are simple in construction, cheap in cost, reliable and easy
to repair and maintain. Due to all these advantages, the single-phase motor finds its
application in vacuum cleaners, fans, washing machines, centrifugal pumps, blowers,
washing machines, etc.

The two principal types of single-phase induction motors are the split-phase motor
and the capacitor motor. Both types of single-phase induction motors usually have a
fractional horsepower rating. The split-phase motor is used to operate such devices as
washing machines, small water pumps, oil burners, and other types of small loads not
requiring a strong starting torque. The capacitor motor generally is used with devices
requiring a strong starting torque, such as refrigerators and compressors. Both types of
single-phase induction motors are relatively low in cost, have a rugged construction; and
exhibit a good operating performance. (see Figure 1)

FIGURE 1 (Single-phase induction motor)

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CONSTRUCTION OF A SPLIT-PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR

The split-phase induction motor basically consists of a stator, a rotor, a centrifugal

switch located inside the motor, two end shields housing the bearings that support the rotor
shaft, and a cast steel frame into which the stator core is pressed. The two end shields are
bolted to the cast steel frame. The bearings housed in the end shields keep the rotor
centered within the stator so that it will rotate with a minimum of friction and without striking
or rubbing the stator core.

The stator for a split-phase motor consists of two windings held in place in the slots of
a laminated steel core. The two windings consist of insulated coils distributed and connected
to make up two windings spaced 90 electrical degrees apart. One winding is the running
winding and the second winding is the starting winding.

The running winding consists of insulated copper wire. It is placed at the bottom of
the stator slots. The wire size in the starting winding is smaller than that of the running
winding. These coils are placed on top of the running winding coils in the stator slots nearest
to the rotor.

Both the starting and running windings are connected in parallel to the single-phase
line when the motor is started. After the motor accelerates to a speed equal to approximately
two-thirds to three-quarters of the rated speed, the starting winding is disconnected
automatically from the line by means of a centrifugal switch.

The rotor for the split-phase motor has the same construction as that of a three-
phase, squirrel-cage induction motor. That is, the rotor consists of a cylindrical core
assembled from steel laminations. Copper bars are mounted near the surface of the rotor.
The bars are brazed or welded to two copper end rings. In some motors, the rotor is a one-
piece cast aluminum unit.

Figure 2 shows a typical squirrel-cage rotor for a single-phase induction motor. This
type of rotor requires little maintenance since there are no windings, brushes, slip rings, or
commutators. Note in the figure that the rotor fans are a part of the squirrel-cage rotor
assembly. These rotor fans maintain air circulation through the motor to prevent a large
increase in the temperature of the windings.

FIGURE 2 (Cast aluminum

squirrel-cage rotor)

The centrifugal switch is mounted inside the motor. The centrifugal switch
disconnects the starting winding after the rotor reaches a predetermined speed, usually two-
thirds to three-quarters of the rated speed. The switch consists of a stationary part and a
rotating part. The stationary part is mounted on one of the end shields and has two contacts
which act like a single-pole, single-throw switch. The rotating part of the centrifugal switch is
mounted on the rotor.

A simple diagram of the operation of a centrifugal switch is given in Figure 3. When

the rotor is at a standstill, the pressure of the spring on the fiber ring of the rotating part
keeps the contacts closed. When the rotor reaches approximately three-quarters of its rated

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speed, the centrifugal action of the rotor causes the spring to release its pressure on the fiber
ring and the contacts open. As a result, the starting winding circuit's disconnected from the
line. Figure 4 is a typical centrifugal switch used with split-phase induction motors.

FIGURE 3 (Diagram shows the operation of FIGURE 4 (Centrifugal switch mechanism)

a centrifugal switch)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

When the circuit to the split-phase induction motor is closed, both the starting and
running windings are energized in parallel. Because the running winding consists of a
relatively large size of wire, its resistance is low. Recall that the running winding is placed at
the bottom of the slots of the stator core. As a result, the inductive reactance of this winding
is comparatively high due to the mass of iron surrounding it. Since the running winding has a
low resistance and a high inductive reactance, the current of the running winding lags behind
the voltage approximately 90 electrical degrees.

The starting winding consists of a smaller size of wire; therefore, its resistance is high.
Since the winding is placed near the top of the stator slots, the mass of iron surrounding it's
comparatively small and the inductive reactance is low. Therefore, the starting winding has a
high resistance and a low inductive reactance. As a result, the current of the starting winding
is nearly in phase with the voltage.

The current of the running winding lags the current of the starting winding by
approximately 30 electrical degrees. These two currents spaced 30 electrical degrees apart
pass through these windings and a rotating magnetic field is developed. This field travels
around the inside of the stator core. The speed of the magnetic field is determined using the
same procedure given for a three-phase induction motor.

If a split-phase induction motor has four poles on the stator windings and is
connected to a single-phase, 60-Hz source, the synchronous speed of the revolving field is:

S = 120 x f / 4

S=synchronous speed

f = frequency in hertz

S = 120 x 60 / 4 = 1,800 r/min

As the rotating stator field travels at the synchronous speed, it cuts the copper bars of
the rotor and induces voltages in the bars of the squirrel-cage winding. These induced
voltages set up currents in the rotor bars. As a result, a rotor field is created which reacts
with the stator field to develop the torque which causes the rotor to turn.
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As the rotor accelerates to the rated speed, the centrifugal switch disconnects the
starting winding from the line. The motor then continues to operate using only the running
winding. Figure 5 illustrates the connections of the centrifugal switch at the instant the motor
starts (switch closed) and when the motor reaches its normal running speed (switch open).

FIGURE 5 (Connections of the centrifugal switch at start and at run)

Note: Refer to Figure 5, Split-phase induction motor: the centrifugal switch opens at
approximately 75 percent of rated speed the starting winding has high resistance and
low inductive reactance. The running winding has low resistance and high inductive
reactance. (produces 45-deg – 50-deg phase angle for starting torque.)

A split-phase motor must have both the starting and running windings energized
when the motor is started. The motor resembles a two-phase induction motor in which the
currents of these two windings are approximately 90 electrical degrees out of phase. The
voltage source, however, is single-phase; therefore, the motor is called a split-phase motor
because it starts like a two-phase motor from a single-phase line. Once the motor
accelerates to a value near its rated speed, it operates on the running winding as a single-
phase induction motor.

If the centrifugal switch contacts fail to close when the motor stops, then the starting
winding circuit's still open. When the motor circuit's reenergized, the motor won't start. The
motor must have both the starting and running windings energized at the instant the motor
circuit's closed to create the necessary starting torque. If the motor does not start but simply
gives a low humming sound, then the starting winding circuit's open. Either the centrifugal
switch contacts are not closed, or there is a break in the coils of the starting windings. This is
an unsafe condition. The running winding will draw excessive current and, therefore, the
motor must be removed from the line supply.

If the mechanical load is too great when a split-phase motor is started, or if the
terminal voltage applied to the motor is low, then the motor may fail to reach the speed
required to operate the centrifugal switch.

The starting winding is designed to operate across the line (ATL) voltage for a period
of only three or four seconds while the motor is accelerating to its rated speed. It is important
that the starting winding be disconnected from the line by the centrifugal switch as soon as
the motor accelerates to 75 percent of the rated speed. Operation of the motor on its starting
winding for more than 60 seconds may burn the insulation on the winding or cause the
winding to burn out.

To reverse the rotation of the motor, simply interchange the leads of the starting
winding (Figure 6). This causes the direction of the field set up by the stator windings to
become reversed. As a result, the direction of rotation is reversed. The direction of rotation of
the split-phase motor can also be reversed by interchanging the two running winding leads.
Normally, the starting winding is used for reversing.
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FIGURE 6 (Reversing direction of rotation on split-phase induction motor)

Single-phase motors often have dual-voltage ratings of 115 volts and 230 volts. To
obtain these ratings the running winding consists of two sections. Each section of the winding
is rated at 115 volts. One section of the running winding is generally marked T and T and the
other section is marked T and T If the motor is to be operated on 230 volts, the two 115-volt
windings are connected in series across the 230-volt line. If the motor is to be operated on
115 volts, then the two 115-volt windings are connected in parallel across the 115-volt line.

The starting winding usually consists of only one 115-volt winding. The leads of the
starting winding are generally marked T and T If the motor is to be operated on 115 volts,
both sections of the running winding are connected in parallel with the starting winding
(Figure 7).

FIGURE 7 (Dual-voltage motor

connected for
115 volts)

For 230-volt operation, the connection jumpers are changed in the terminal box so
that the two 115-volt sections of the running winding are connected in series across the 230-
volt line (Figure 8). Note that the 115-volt starting winding is connected in parallel with one
section of the running winding. The voltage drop across this section of the running winding is
115 volts, and the voltage across the starting winding is also 115 volts.

Some dual-voltage, split-phase motors have a starting winding with two sections as
well as a running winding with two sections. The running winding sections are marked T1
and T2 for one section and T3 and T4 for the other section. One section of the starting

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winding is marked T5 and T6 and the second section of the starting winding is marked T7
and T8.

FIGURE 7 (Dual-voltage motor

connected for
230 volts)

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has color coded the
terminal leads. If colors are used, they should be coded as follows: T1 — blue; T2 — white;
T3 — orange; T4 — yellow; T5 — black; and T6— red.

Figure 8 shows the winding arrangement for a dual-voltage motor with two starting
windings and two running windings. The correct connections for 115-volt operation and for
230-volt operation are given in the table illustrated in Figure 8.

VOLTAGE RATING L1 L2 TIE TOGETHER

115 VOLTS T1, T3,T5,T7 T2, T4, T6, T8
230 VOLTS T1, T5 T4, T8 T2 & T3, T6 & T7

FIGURE 8 (Winding arrangement for dual-voltage motor with two starting and two running
windings)

The speed regulation of a split-phase induction motor is very good. It has a speed
performance from no load to full load that's like that of a three-phase, squirrel-cage induction
motor. The percent slip on most fractional horsepower split-phase motors is from 4 percent to
6 percent.

The starting torque of the split-phase motor is comparatively poor. The low resistance
and high inductive reactance in the running winding circuit, and the high resistance and low
inductive reactance in the starting winding circuit cause the two current values to be
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considerably less than 90 electrical degrees apart. The currents of the starting and running
windings in many split-phase motors are only 30 electrical degrees out of phase with each
other. As a result, the field set up by these currents does not develop a strong starting
torque.

CAPACITOR START, INDUCTION RUN MOTOR

The construction of a capacitor start motor is nearly the same as that of a split-phase
induction motor. For the capacitor start motor, however, a capacitor is connected in series
with the starting windings. The capacitor usually is mounted in a metal casing on top of the
motor. The capacitor may be mounted in any convenient external position on the motor
frame and, in some cases, may be mounted inside the motor housing. The capacitor
provides a higher starting torque than is obtainable with the standard split-phase motor. In
addition, the capacitor limits the starting surge of current to a lower value than is developed
by the standard split-phase motor.

The capacitor start induction motor is used on refrigeration units, compressors, oil
burners, and for small machine equipment, as well as for applications which require a strong
starting torque.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

When the capacitor start motor is connected for lower voltage and is started, both the
running and starting windings are connected in parallel across the line voltage as the
centrifugal switch is closed. The starting winding, however, is connected in series with the
capacitor. When the motor reaches a value of 75 percent of its rated speed, the centrifugal
switch opens and disconnects the starting winding and the capacitor from the line. The motor
then operates as a single-phase induction motor using only the running winding. The
capacitor is used to improve the starting torque and does not improve the power factor of the
motor.

HI LOW
FORWARD
L1 T1 & T8 T1. T3. T8
Tie T2, T3 & T6 together
L2 T4 T2, T4. T5

REVERSE
L1 T1 & T5 T1, T3, T5
Tie T2, T3, T8 together
L2 T4 T2, T4, T8

FIGURE 9 (Two running winding connection and one start winding connection chart)

To produce the necessary starting torque, a revolving magnetic field must be set up
by the stator windings. The starting winding current will lead the running winding current by
90 electrical degrees if a capacitor having the correct capacity is connected in series with the
starting winding. As a result, the magnetic field developed by the stator windings is almost
identical with that of a two-phase induction motor. The starting torque for a capacitor start
motor thus is much better than that of a standard split-phase motor.

Defective capacitors are a frequent cause of malfunctions in capacitor start, induction

run motors. Some capacitor failures that can occur are:

 the capacitor may short itself out, as evidenced by a lower starting torque.
 the capacitor may be “opened,” in which case the starting winding circuits will
be open, causing the motor to fail to start.

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 the capacitor may short circuit and cause the fuse protection for the branch
motor circuit to blow. If the fuse ratings are quite high and don't interrupt the
power supply to the motor soon enough, the starting winding may burn out.
 starting capacitors can short circuit if the motor is turned on and off many
times in a short period of time. To prevent capacitor failures, many motor
manufacturers recommend that a capacitor start motor be started no more
than 20 times per hour. Therefore, this type of motor is used only in those
applications where there are relatively few starts in a short time period.

The speed performance of a capacitor start motor is very good. The increase in per
cent slip from a no-load condition to full load is from 4 percent to 6 percent. The speed
performance then is the same as that of a standard split-phase motor.

The leads of the starting winding circuit are interchanged to reverse the direction of
rotation of a capacitor start motor. As a result, the direction of rotation of the magnetic field
developed by stator windings reverses in the stator core, and the rotation of the rotor is
reversed. (See Figure 9 for reversing lead connections.)

FIGURE 10 (Connections for a capacitor

start, induction motor)

Figure 10 is a diagram of the circuit connections of a capacitor start motor before the
starting winding leads are interchanged to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor. The
diagram in Figure 11 shows the circuit connections of the motor after the starting winding
leads are interchanged to reverse the direction of rotation.

FIGURE 11 (Connections for reversing

a capacitor start, induction
run motor)

A second method of changing the direction of rotation of a capacitor start motor is to

interchange the two running winding leads. However, this method is seldom used.

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Capacitor start, induction run motors often have dual-voltage ratings of 115 volts and
230 volts. The connections for a capacitor start motor are the same as those for split-phase
induction motors.

CAPACITOR START, CAPACITOR RUN MOTOR

The capacitor-start, capacitor-run motor is like the capacitor start, induction run
motor, except that the starting winding and capacitor are always connected in the circuit. This
motor has a very good starting torque. The power factor at the rated load is nearly 100
percent or unity since a capacitor is always used in the motor.

There are several different designs for this type of motor. One type of capacitor-start,
capacitor-run motor has two stator windings which are spaced 90 electrical degrees apart.
The main or running winding is connected directly across the rated line voltage. A capacitor
is connected in series with the starting winding and this series combination also is connected
across the rated line voltage. A centrifugal switch isn't used because the starting winding is
energized through the entire operating period of the motor.

Figure 12 illustrates the internal connections for a capacitor start, capacitor run motor
using one value of capacitance.

FIGURE 12 (Connections for a capacitor start, capacitor run motor)

To reverse the rotation of this motor, the lead connections of the starting winding
must be interchanged. This type of capacitor start, capacitor run motor is quiet in operation
and is used on oil burners, fans, and small wood working and metal working machines.

A second type of capacitor start, capacitor run motor has two capacitors. Figure 13 is
a diagram of the internal connections of the motor. At the instant the motor is started, the two
capacitors are in parallel. When the motor reaches 75 percent of the rated speed, the
centrifugal switch disconnects the larger capacity capacitor. The motor then operates with
the smaller capacitor only connected in series with the starting winding.

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FIGURE 13 (Connections for a capacitor start, capacitor run motor)

This type of motor has a very good starting torque, good speed regulation, and a
power factor of nearly 100 percent at rated load. Applications for this type of motor include
furnace stokers, refrigerator units, and compressors.

A third type of capacitor start, capacitor run motor has an autotransformer with one
capacitor. This motor has a high starting torque and a high operating power factor. Figure 14
is a diagram of the internal connections for this motor. When the motor is started, the
centrifugal switch connects winding 2 to point A on the tapped autotransformer. As the
capacitor is connected across the maximum transformer turns, it receives maximum voltage
output on start. The capacitor thus is connected across a value of approximately 500 volts.
As a result, there is a high value of leading current in winding 2 and a strong starting torque
is developed.

FIGURE 14 (Connections for a capacitor start, capacitor run motor with autotransformer)

When the motor reaches approximately 75 percent of the rated speed, the centrifugal
switch disconnects the starting winding from point A and reconnects this winding to point B
on the autotransformer. Less voltage is applied to the capacitor, but the motor operates with
both windings energized. Thus, the capacitor maintains a power factor near unity at the rated
load.

The starting torque of this motor is very good, and the speed regulation is
satisfactory. Applications requiring these characteristics include large refrigerators and
compressors.

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE REGULATIONS

Section 430-32(b) (1) of the National Electrical Code states that any motor of one
horsepower or less which is manually started and is within sight from the starter location,
shall be considered as protected against overload by the overcurrent device protecting the
conductors of the branch circuit. This branch overcurrent device shall not be larger than
specified in Article 430, Part D (Motor Branch Circuit, Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault
Protection). An exception is that any such motor may be used at 120 volts or less on a
branch circuit protected at not over 20 amperes.

A distance of more than 50 feet is considered to be out of sight from the starter
location. Section 430-32(c) covers motors, one horsepower or less, automatically started,
which are out of sight from the starter location or permanently installed.

Section 430-32(c) (1) states that any motor of one horsepower or less which is
started automatically shall have a separate overcurrent device which is responsive to the
motor current. This overload unit shall be set to trip at not more than 125 percent of the full-
load current rating of the motor for motors marked to have a temperature rise not over 40
degrees Celsius or with a service factor not less than 1.15, (1.15 or higher) and not more
than 115 percent for all other types of motors.

SUMMARY
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The single-phase induction motor is one of the most used residential and light
commercial motors. Each application will dictate the correct motor style to use. All the motors
use the concept of taking one phase, or one sinewave, and shifting the effects of the cur
rents through the coils to create a moving magnetic field. The split-phase and the capacitor-
start motor utilize a starting switch to disconnect the starting windings from the line once the
motor is up to running speed. Two-capacitor motors use multiple capacitors or variations of
two value capacitors to create a starting and a running circuit. All the same NEC regulations
that apply to three-phase motors still apply to single-phase motors. There are many
exceptions that apply only to small-horsepower motors.

ADDITIONAL READINGS

Websites: 1. https://bit.ly/2UCS9vB

2. https://bit.ly/30Eo4zE

3. https://bit.ly/2YsO0eN

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EVALUATION

Name: __________________________________________ Date: _________

Course/Year: _____________________________ Score: ________

Answer the following statements and questions.

1. List the essential parts of a split-phase induction motor.

2. What happens if the centrifugal switch contacts fail to reclose when the motor stops?

3. Explain how the direction of rotation of a split-phase induction motor is reversed.

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4. A split-phase induction motor has a dual-voltage rating of 115/230 volts. The motor
has two running windings, each of which is rated at 115 volts, and one starting
winding rated at 115 volts. Draw a schematic diagram of this split-phase induction
motor connected for 230-volt operation.

5. Draw a schematic connection diagram of the split-phase induction motor in question 4

connected for 115-volt operation.

6. A split-phase induction motor has a dual-voltage rating of 115/230 volts. The motor
has two running windings, each of which is rated at 115 volts. In addition, there are
two starting windings and each of these windings is rated at 115 volts. Draw a
schematic connection diagram of this split-phase induction motor connected for 230-
volt operation.

7. What is the primary difference between a split-phase induction motor and a capacitor
start, induction run motor?

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8. If the centrifugal switch fails to open as a split-phase motor accelerates to its rated
speed, what will happen to the starting winding?

9. What is one limitation of a capacitor start, induction run motor?

10. Insert the correct word or phrase to complete each of the following statements.
a. A motor of one horsepower or less which is manually started and which is within
sight of the starter location is considered to be protected by the

b. A motor of one horsepower or less which is manually started is considered within

sight of the starter location if the distance is no greater than

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c. The capacitor used with a capacitor start, induction run motor is used only to
improve the

d. A capacitor start, induction run motor has a better starting torque than the

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