The universal motor is a type of electric motor that can operate on either AC or DC power and uses
an electromagnet as its stator to create its magnetic field. It is a commutated series-wound motor
where the stator's field coils are connected in series with the rotor windings through a commutator. It
is often referred to as an AC series motor. The universal motor is very similar to a DC series motor in
construction, but is modified slightly to allow the motor to operate properly on AC power. This type of
electric motor can operate well on AC because the current in both the field coils and the armature
(and the resultant magnetic fields) will alternate (reverse polarity) synchronously with the supply.
Hence the resulting mechanical force will occur in a consistent direction of rotation, independent of
the direction of applied voltage, but determined by the commutator and polarity of the field coils.
Universal motor main parts
The main design of such a motor is almost identical to a common brushed
DC motor. We described its working principle in the following article: Brushed
vs Brushless motor. However, it contains electromagnetic type of magnets
instead of permanent ones and has additional options for working with
alternating current.
The main parts of its structure are rotor and stator.
Stator is a part that does not move (stationary).
It contains several major details:
1. Laminated case
2. Field coils
3. Wiring from source
4. Brushes
Rotor (armature) is a rotating part.
It consists of the following main details:
1. Shaft
2. Commutator
3. Rotor windings
How does a universal motor run on DC current?
When it is connected to a power source with direct current, it works like a
regular DC motor with brushes.
Electricity from the source flows into stator winding (field coils), through the
brushes it gets into the commutator and then goes to armature coils. Each of
the brushes simultaneously is connected to different segments of commutator
and electricity through each of them passes in one direction.
Hence, magnetic fluxes will act in one direction too. Rotor’s torque action will
also be unidirectional in turn. Therefore, it begins to rotate (on clockwise
In such mode, the electric motor has the highest efficiency. The most similar
alternative for working with a DC source is a BLDC motor. However, due to
the general use of permanent magnets in it, its max torque is much lower than
in universal types.
How a universal motor works with AC source
When a universal motor is operated with alternating current, it is also used as
a series winding connection. It links rotor and stator windings (as described
above). So, there is no difference between ac and dc universal motor design.
However, in the case of alternating current, it will flow in different directions in
opposite coils. That is why the series connection is used. Due to that scheme
type, change of the poles and hence magnetic fluxes in windings is performed
almost simultaneously.
Since magnetic fluxes act in the same direction, therefore, the action of torque
is also unidirectional. Rotor will always rotate in a similar way, despite the
pulsating current.
However, if you connect an ordinary DC series motor to the AC source it will
not work. This happens due to fluctuating magnetic fields and heavy losses to
the Foucault’s eddy currents.
To avoid these phenomena, the stator is made of a set of special thin
laminated plates, and the winding is divided into several sections.
Work with alternative current also induces the electromotive force and
extreme sparking on motor brushes. Therefore, the contact brushes should be
made of material with high resistance.
Speed/Load Characteristics
Speed/load characteristics of a universal motor is similar to that of a DC series motor.
The speed of a universal motor is low at full load and very high at no load. Usually,
gears trains are used to get the required speed on required load. The speed/load
characteristics (for both AC as well as DC supply) are shown in the figure.
Universal motors vs DC motors (Advantages and
disadvantages)
Universal motors have several unique design options that are described
above. That feature gives its own pros and cons compared to common DC or
induction analogs. Let’s look at them in detail.
The main advantages:
1. High starting torque. The mechanism can quickly start to perform
extremely high revolution speeds (up to 8000 and even up to 20,000
rpm) in both hot and cold starts.
2. High power density. It can operate with twice output power value than
an inductive analog with the same size.
3. Low price. The cost of the motor is little higher than ordinary brushed
and quite lesser than brushless.
4. Simple design. A simple structure provides ease of maintenance and
repair.
5. Good lifespan. The main parts are quite durable (except brushes).
6. Portability. Its small size allows it to be used in the smallest devices
(hair dryer).
7. Work without constant monitoring. The motor can be adjusted by
simply changing the voltage via frequency converters.
The main disadvantages:
1. Noise and vibration. It occurs because the brushes rub on the sections
of the armature commutator during high speed.
2. Low efficiency. Its efficiency is in the range of 55-80% and depends on
source type (DC/AC).
3. Ineffective with low voltage. The efficiency significantly reduces when
working with voltages up to 100V.
4. Brushes burn out quickly. Due to the direct contact of the brushes
with the collector, they require periodic replacement or repair.
Where universal motor is used?
A universal electric motor, as we have found out, is a simple, inexpensive, and
high-speed type of motor.
The ability to operate at extremely high speed connecting to a single-phase
AC network made them very popular in domestic appliances. In addition, it
has miniature sizes and can be used in compact household devices. In
industrial branches, this equipment is also often used, but its effectiveness is
not suitable for everyone.
Here are the most common applications:
● Drills and screwdrivers
● Mixers and Blenders
● Fans and hair dryers
● Vacuum cleaners
● Sewing machines
● Wipers
● Washing machines
● Sawmills
Such motor is used primarily in areas where the noise level is not critical but
high revolutions are important
