A simple guide to motors

Motors are used to turn electricity into movement. Whether it’s a fan, pump, conveyor, or something more complex like a milling machine, motors are behind the scenes doing the hard work.

There are lots of different types of motors. They vary based on whether they use AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) power, and how they generate that movement.

Here’s a quick overview of the common types and where they’re used.

DC Motors – Good for High Torque & Simple Control

Brushed DC Motors

• Easy to use and control
• Used in small appliances, medical dispensers, and packaging machines
• Need regular maintenance because the brushes wear out

Brushless DC Motors (BLDC)

• No brushes = less maintenance
• Good for high precision work
• Found in robot arms, CNC machines, and motor drives

Stepper Motors

• Move in small, accurate steps
• Great for things that need exact position control like printers, imaging equipment, and CNC tools

AC Motors – Powerful & Common in Industrial Setups

Induction Motors

• Most common type (used in 80% of motor-driven systems)
• Used in everything from home fans to big factory equipment
• Come in single-phase (for smaller jobs) and three-phase (for bigger industrial machinery)

Single-Phase Induction Motors are used in:

• Pumps, compressors, small fans, drills

Three-Phase Induction Motors are used in:

• Cranes, lifts, hoists, lathe machines, crushers, mills
• They’re tough, low-maintenance, and ideal for high-load applications

Synchronous Motors

• Run at a steady speed, no matter the load
• Best for applications where exact speed control is needed
• Used in compressors, pumps, and industrial mills

What to Think About When Choosing a Motor

Picking the right motor for your business or operation depends on:

• Application – What’s the motor powering?
• Power supply – AC or DC? What voltage/current do you have?
• Torque & speed – Do you need steady, strong force or high speed?
• Environment – Will it be exposed to dust, water, or heat?
• Control – Do you need variable speed or exact position control?
• Duty cycle – Is it running all day or just in bursts?

These things help determine the right type, size, and setup of motor you’ll need.

Need Help Choosing the Right Motor?

Whether you’re replacing a motor or installing one for a new process, it’s important to get it right. The wrong motor can cause breakdowns, wasted energy, or poor performance.

That’s where EAS can help:
At Electrical & Automation Solutions (EAS), we can help you choose the right motor, install it properly, and keep it running smoothly with regular maintenance and servicing.

Give us a call today on 07 834 0505 for expert advice or a quote—we’re here to help keep your business running at full speed.