SOLUTION

• Split-phase motors receive their name from the manner in which they operate, based on the principle of the rotating magnetic field.
• A rotating magnetic field cannot be produced with only one phase. The current is split through two separate windings with a phase displacement, which acts like a 2-phase system.
• A rotating magnetic field can be produced with a 2-phase system. Split-phase motors start as 2-phase motors by producing an out-of-phase condition for the current in the run winding and the start winding.

Direction of rotation of the split-phase motor

• Rotation, clockwise or counter-clockwise, is always determined by the direction of current flowing through the start winding.
• The direction of rotation of a split-phase motor depends on the magnetic polarity of the start winding. Reversing either the polarity of the “Start” winding, in relationship to the “Run” winding, reverses the direction of rotation of all single-phase alternating current (AC) motors.
• This reverses current flow through the start winding, causing opposite polarity and rotation.
• In open motors, the electrical connections are located at one end of the motor, called the lead end, and the motor shaft exits the opposite end, called the shaft end.
• Rotation direction is usually determined by viewing the shaft end. However, rotation for Genera Electric motors is determined by viewing the lead end.
• When recording rotation direction, always indicate which end of the motor is being viewed.
• If the shaft is turning to the right, rotation is clockwise (CW).
• If the shaft is turning to the left, rotation is counterclockwise (CCW). Not all motors have wiring connections that allow the motor to be reversed in the field.