What Is a DC Motor?
At its most basic level, a DC motor is a simple motor that converts electrical energy (e.g., from a battery) into mechanical energy using electromagnetism. (DC, which stands for direct current, is a unidirectional current and is produced by batteries. Household power sockets produce AC, or alternating current, but this current can be converted to DC with an additional electrical connector.) While less common today than AC motors and components, DC motors are still found in a variety of common electrical devices, like fans, toys, and some household appliances, while larger DC motors can also be found in industrial applications.
What Are the Types of DC Motors?
There are several types of DC motors available, including brushed, permanent magnet motors (the type of motor detailed below), as well as shunt, series, and compound wound motors. Increasingly, brushless DC motors are also used in newer applications.
What Are the Parts of a DC Motor?
The essential parts of a DC motor are:
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- The rotor, the central shaft that rotates as the motor creates mechanical energy
- The rotating axle
- The stator, the stationary part of the motor that contains the magnets and provides the magnetic field
- A commutator, to reverse the direction of the current
- Multiple field magnets with opposite polarity
- Brushes to carry current to the rotor (replaceable and may wear down over time)
How Does a DC Motor Work?
Using a conductor, a commutator, and a pair of magnets with opposite polarities, a DC motor is able to use the electromagnetic current from a battery to force the motor's shaft to turn. Because the two magnets have opposite (North and South) polarities, they naturally repel each other. When combined with an electromagnetic current, this produces the torque necessary to turn the shaft (or rotor) of the motor. The shaft can then be connected to components like fan blades, or to gears to produce additional motion.
What Does a DC Motor Do?
Depending on how it's being used, a DC motor can harness electrical energy to produce a variety of mechanical movements. At a basic level, it's able to harness electricity to create the torque needed to rotate other objects, such as fan blades, kitchen mixers, gears, or the spinning parts of a toy.
As a basic component, however, a DC motor is highly useful in both small and large appliances, from CD/DVD drives to vacuum cleaners to stand mixers. DC motors are also found in the electrical components of vehicles and in larger machines like conveyor belts, industrial turntables, and even some elevators, where they are valued for their consistency and precision. While AC-powered electric motors are considerably more common today, DC motors are still in use and many of the items we use today depend on them.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.