Standard Terminal Markings of DC (Direct Current) Motors

Standard terminal markings, as developed by NEMA, are given for series, shunt and compound motors in figure 1, figure 2 and figure 3 respectively. These figures all show compensating-field as well as commutating-field windings since they are intended to cover both fractional horsepower and integral horsepower motors. Fractional horsepower motors do not generally use compensating windings and they may not use commutating-field (interpole) windings.

The markings are combinations of letters and arabic numerals, generally, these are as follows:

- Armature - A1, A2
- Control signal lead - C
- Series field - S1, S2
- Shunt field - F1, F2

Reversing DC Motors

Procedure for reversing direct current motors

Direct current motors are reversed by changing the direction of current flow through the armature or through the field. In series motors, the usual procedure is to reverse the current through the armature. Figure 1 shows this method.

All that is necessary is to interchange the leads on the brush holders. Figure 2 shows the series motor reversed by changing the current in the field circuits.

Commutating Field (Interpole) of DC Motors

Nearly all shunt and compound motors of 1/2 horsepower or more have commutating fields or interpoles located between the main poles. These interpoles have one winding of heavy wire and are connected in series with the armature as shown in figure 1. The purpose of the interpole is to prevent sparking.

Types of Direct Current (DC) Compound Motors

Figure 1: Two-pole compound DC motor

The motor shown in figure 1 above is one of the four different types of compound wound DC (direct current) motors. Although this type is known as the most common form of connection, it is the one used most often and the one which should be used unless otherwise specified. It is essential also to discuss the other types of compound wound DC motors.

Wiring Connection of Direct Current (DC) Motor

Connecting Direct Current (DC) Motors

It is of utmost importance to firstly know and understand the various internal configuration of the different types of DC motors before doing the actual wiring connection.  Although DC motors may appear to only have two leads for its external wiring connection terminals, it will serve best to habitually apply a good practice of knowing first the type of DC motor you are about to install before attempting any wiring connection and supplying power to run the motor.

Types of Direct Current (DC) Motors

Fundamental types of Direct Current (DC) motors:

1.) Series Field DC Motor - The series field DC motor contains field coils composed of a few turns of wire connected in series with the armature as shown in Figure 1 below.  This motor has high starting torque and a variable speed characteristic.  The greater the load the motor carries, the lower the speed.

Fundamental Overview of a DC Motor

Direct Current Motors - DC Motors are used to convert DC energy into mechanical energy. They are well suited for use as either constant-speed or adjustable speed motors. The three types (Shunt, Series, and Compound) which are available provide the range of speed torque characteristics for applications which require:

Example of electrical computation formulas for electrical calculation involving the function and operation of DC motors

Example 1: The field winding of a shunt DC (Direct Current) motor has a resistance of 110 ohms, and the emf (electro-motive force) applied to it is 220 volts. What is the amount of power expended in the field excitation?