Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

Which type of motor is specifically designed to operate on AC voltage?

1. DC motor

2. Universal motor

3. Induction motor

4. Stepper motor

The correct answer is: Induction motor

Induction motors are specifically designed to operate on alternating current (AC) voltage. They utilize the principle of electromagnetic induction to generate rotation. In an induction motor, the stator, which is the stationary part of the motor, produces a rotating magnetic field when AC voltage is applied. This magnetic field induces a current in the rotor, which is the rotating part of the motor. The interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor results in motion. Induction motors are widely used in various applications because they are robust, efficient, and require minimal maintenance. They are often found in industrial, commercial, and residential settings for tasks such as driving pumps, fans, and conveyors. Other types of motors, while they may operate under certain conditions with AC, are primarily designed for different applications. For example, DC motors run on direct current and would not function optimally on standard AC supply without additional circuitry. Universal motors can operate on both AC and DC, but they are not specifically designed for AC; they are generally used in applications where speed control is required. Stepper motors are typically used in precision positioning applications and are driven by pulses rather than a continuous AC supply.