General Purpose Electric Motors

General purpose AC motors, also known as induction motors, are electric motors that convert alternating current into torque (torque is a measure of rotational or twisting force) to move mechanical loads. They are suitable for operating pumps, fans, conveyors and machine tools.

Split-phase NEMA frame general purpose AC motors are lower than other AC motors and have lower starting torque for smoother starting. Capacitor Start NEMA frame general purpose AC motors use a capacitor to provide additional starting power for higher torque. Capacitor Start/Start NEMA frame general purpose AC motors are single phase motors that use a capacitor to provide additional power during starting for higher torque and a separate capacitor for higher efficiency operation.

Three-phase NEMA frame general-purpose AC motors and three-phase IEC metric motors operate with efficient three-phase power at high torque and require no starting or starting capacitors.