I need to know how to basically look at an electric motor (either salvaged or new) and be able to tell what rpms it can achieve, what torque it is capable of delivering/withstanding, and what voltage requirements are needed in order to speed up/slow down/optimize performance. Also, is there a way to distinguish whether it is AC or DC? Take as much space as piossible in order to explain this and/or provide links. I really want to learn as much as i can about all different aspects of applying electric motors to designs.
Looking okorder for more info.
I'm not an expert in motors, but let me give you some info. You won't be able to deduce all that info just by looking at it. But most all motors have a name plate that has voltage and current requirements. It will also have a manufacturers name and a model number. You may be able to look that up and get more info. The number of wires coming into the motor will help. 2 wires and ground, and it's either DC or single phase AC. 3 wires and ground and it's a 3 phase delta motor. Look for a box on the side of the motor with a capacitor in it. That is probably a start capacitor, and this is probably a single phase AC motor. If you can see inside the motor, and you see brushes (NOT slip rings) then it's a DC motor. You can also look at where the motor came from to get clues. read the references .
your question is very broad at first you need some data, the nameplate will tell some, but not all essentially, the size of the motor is an indication of the power! AC motors speed is governed by the line frequency and the number of poles, it is 3600, 1800, 1200, 900 RPM...for 60Hz and 3000, 1500...for 50 Hz slip-ring motors are a bit less, IE 1725 RPM at rated load (4 poles 60 HZ) if the motor has commutator brushes, it could be AC and/or DC, typical speed, 10,000 RPM if it is a stepper, mandatory DC, speed from revs per day to many thousands per minute. P.C.B. drilling machine = 300 000 RPM! dentist drill ~ 30 000 RPM as you can see from this answer and others answer it is quite elaborate and cannot be all explained on a forum like this. Anita
