Standard Motor Sizes

There are many different kinds of motors, usually put in one of two groups, direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) motors. These two kinds of motors feature dozens and dozens of models that can be used in any variation of machinery. Whether you wish to operate your cell phone or your vehicle, you are going to need some type of motor. This speaks to the sheer volume of different types of motors on the market today!

Motors are used to operate almost any type of machinery or any appliance. With such a huge range of appliances, it is only natural that there are literally hundreds of different motors to meet their needs. From motors that can be operated with batteries, to those that can be plugged into a wall, from motors used in scooters or bikes, to the ones that run your car, the sheer number of different models of motors is staggering.

Direct Current motors can be used in nearly any type of mechanical situation. These were the first types of motors to be invented, late in the 1800s. These motors consist of rotor-mounted winding and stationary windings. Current passes through these windings and creates a magnetic field, causing the rotors to rotate. This produces the power. DC motors are great when dealing with appliances that need motor control because you can determine the amount of current flowing through the motor.

Electric motors are generally one of two kinds. AC, or alternating current, motors or DC, direct current, motors. Electrical motors are the most common type of motor. They work by turning electrical energy into mechanical energy through a series of processes. This type of motor can be used in everything from refrigerators to vehicles.

Gear motors are used for any number of tasks, usually those that require a motor that is durable and long lasting. There are both AC and DC gear motors, each of which is used in different capacities. DC gear motors are used when low current and low noise are desired, while AC gear motors are used in larger operations. Gear motors are also commonly used in the building of robots.

NEMA, or the National Electical Manufacturers Association, was created in 1926 and is dedicated to the standardization of electrical equipment. This ensures that those buying the products will have both safety and effective products. NEMA has produced a list of 500 standards that is aimed at keeping all electrical equipment safe and hazard free. There are also a number of NEMA enclosures that have to do with technical standards and the trade of products.