In many commercial and industrial applications today, three phase teco westinghouse motors are very common. However, in some cases, single phase motors are also used. In fact, there may be times when you need to decide on single or three phase power. So how do you go about making this decision? Let’s explore the differences between the two, to make your decision easier.
Electric Motors
Electric motors work on the principle of electromagnetism. Without going into detail, when you pass electric current through a wire, it becomes magnetized. Now take a rotating part (rotor) and a stationary part (stator) and by passing electric current into the stator, a rotating magnetic field is created.
In order to get the rotor moving, a capacitor is placed in line to alter current flow temporarily (creating torque). Once the rotor is spinning fast enough, a centrifugal switch removes it from the circuit. Electricity enters through one wire (black) and leaves through another (white) for 120 volt motors and enters from two wires (red and black) dissipating power within (240-volt ungrounded circuit). This is basically how single phase Teco Westinghouse motors work.
Three Phase
Three phase electric motors work with three ungrounded conductors carrying current from separate sources. This creates a rotating magnetic field with power every 120 degrees. Imagine single phase (120 volt) grounded motor with one magnet causing rotation. With a 240-volt ungrounded circuit you have two magnets 180 degree apart. Three phase ungrounded Teco Westinghouse motors would have three magnets 120 degree apart. Three phase power is more efficient and offers these benefits:
- No capacitor needed for starting
- Smaller in size than single phase
- Uses less energy at high current usage
You need a three phase power source to operate three phase Teco Westinghouse motors, but 3 phase is usually the most efficient option, when available.
