Electric motors are machines that convert electrical energy—from either stored power or a direct electrical connection—into mechanical energy through the production of rotational force. The two major types of electric motors are:

• AC motors, which are powered by alternating current
• DC motors, which are powered by direct current

How Electric Motors Work

Both AC and DC motors use electrical current to produce rotating magnetic fields that, in turn, generate rotational mechanical force in the armature—located on the rotor or stator—around the shaft. The various motor designs use this same basic concept to convert electric energy into powerful bursts of force and provide dynamic levels of speed or power.