Universal Motor Manufacturers and Companies

Universal motors offer the combination of features and in applications where the combination of high speed operating with light engine weight is desirable, universal motors are an ideal solution. However, a universal motor has a considerably shorter life than other types of miniature motors, and, even though it is a simple and reliable design, it will wear out relatively quickly. For this reason, a universal motor is most often found in AC devices that are only used intermittently, such as blenders, vacuum cleaners, power tools, clothes washers, fans, and blow dryers. These applications require high torque starting speeds but are typically only used for short bursts of time, thus reducing the wear and tear on the engine itself.

Universal motors are also used in high-powered applications, such as railway motors for electric system railways. These motors are typically found in a range less than 1000 watts, therefore they may also be referred to as fractional horsepower motors, or FHP motors. Another useful feature of universal motors, as with some other types of small electrical motors, is that they are able to control speed through electronic controls and to reverse the direction of an appliance such as a washing machine. On washing machines, as with other domestic appliances, universal motors have to be used within the parameters of their speed and effectiveness. Load weight should be taken into consideration to ensure minimal motor wear, although they will eventually need replacing.

The universal motor is able to operate on alternating current power because of the in sync alternating of the magnetic field and the armature, which causes force in a constant direction. However, a universal electric motor offers an advantage over regular AC motors because they have a high starting torque level, a characteristic of DC motors, as well as high top speed and compact operating designs. Yet, the motors are still able to be powered by commonly found AC power supplies.