Virtually every factory and shop has one thing in common. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Brain Freeze Ice Cream Factory or Joe’s Garage. That one thing is a motor. Most of the time, you’ll find more than one in use. You’ll also find both AC and DC motors. But what is the difference? Is one better than the other? In this White Paper, “DC Motors Explained,” product manager Joe Kimbrell discusses what is a DC motor, DC motor characteristics, key differences between AC and DC motors as well as when to choose one over 
the other.
While there are different types of DC motors, including shunt, series, compound wound or stabilized shunt, permanent magnet, and brushless, the main difference revolves around how the electromagnetic fields are generated. And even though DC motors have been around for 100 years and have been used extensively in almost all industrial applications, AC motors and controls have made large inroads partially due to the low maintenance required with AC.
This White Paper explores the maintenance needs of DC motors and also answers questions regarding proper power.
The DC Motors White Paper can be downloaded as a PDF at: https://www.automationdirect.com/static/press/DC-Motors-Explained-white-paper.pdf.
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About AutomationDirect:
In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor offering thousands of industrial automation products for electrical control systems, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their business model and focus on efficiency and the majority of their products are stocked for fast shipping. Plus, get free two-day delivery on orders over $49; some limitations apply. For more information, contact them at 800-633-0405 or visit www.automationdirect.com. 