If the machine is above about 1 hp and

- has 6 similar size terminals, then it is a 3-phase induction motor. But it may be either
a cage rotor type (6 stator terminals for star-delta starter) or a wound rotor type (3 for
stator and 3 for rotor). A visual inspection for the 3 slip rings will confirm.
- has 6 terminals with 4 same size and two smaller, then it is a DC compound motor (2
for armature, 2 for series field with inter-pole and 2 smaller for shunt field). Look for the
commutator & brushes and salient field system to confirm.
- has 5 terminals, then it is a AC synchronous motor (3 for stator and 2 for field). Look
for 2 slip rings for rotor dc supply.
- has 4 terminals, then it may be a DC motor, in which case look for the commutator &
brushes to confirm. Otherwise, it may be a 1-phase alternator (AC generator) in which
case there will be 2 slip rings on rotor.
- has 3 terminals, then it is a AC machine, either 3-phase cage rotor induction motor or 3phase PM synchronous machine. Look into rotor to differentiate.
If the machine is smaller than about 1hp and
- has 6 terminals with 4 of same size and 2 smaller, then it is likely to be a 1-phase
alternator (2 for armature, 2 for series boosting field and 2 smaller for shunt field).
In such case, the armature is on rotor and field system is on stator using salient
construction. Look also for 2 slip rings.
- has 4 terminals, then it is a DC machine (2 for armature and 2 for field). Look for
the commutator & brushes. Otherwise it may be a simple 1-phase alternator. Look for 2
slip rings on rotor.
- has 3 terminals, then it is a AC machine, either 3-phase cage rotor induction motor or 3phase PM synchronous machine. Look into rotor construction to differentiate.
- has 2 terminals, then it may be either a 1-phase AC machine or a DC machine. Look
for the stator core construction and rotor. If there is no commutator, then it is a AC motor.
If there is a commutator and brushes, it may be either a DC motor or an AC commutator
motor (Universal motor). However, if the stator core is also laminated in the presence of
commutator, then it is likely to be a AC commutator motor. Solid stator core with
commutator implies a DC motor.
Note that there are some old types of 3-phase AC commutator motor still in operation, which are
known as Schrage motor. Hence presence of commutator does not guarantee DC machine. Also
note that all 1-phase AC motor do not use capacitors. Hope you find the elimination process
above logical & useful.