Sl.

Differentiating AC Motor DC Motor

No. Property

1 Definition AC motors can be DC motors is also a rotatory

defined as an electric electric motor that converts
motor which is driven Direct current (DC energy)
by an alternating into mechanical energy.
current (AC).

2 Types AC motors are mainly DC motors are also mainly of

of two types which are two types which are namely
synchronous AC DC motors with brushes and
motors and induction DC motors without brushes.
motors.

3 Current Input AC motors only run DC motors will only run when
when an alternating DC supply is given. In the case
current is given as of DC series motor, the motor
input. might run with AC supply.
But, for shunt motors, the
motor never runs on AC
supply.

4 Commutators Commutators and Commutators and carbon

and Brushes brushes are absent in brushes are present in the DC
AC motors. motors.

5 Input Supply AC motors can run on DC motors can run only on

Phases both single-phase and single-phase supply.
three-phase supplies.

6 Starting of A three-phase AC DC motors are always self-

Motor motor is self-starting starting in nature.
but a single-phase AC
motor requires a
starting mechanism.

7 Armature In AC motors, the In DC motors, the armature

Characteristics armature is stationary rotates while the magnetic
 while the magnetic field remains stationary.
field rotates.

8 Input Terminals In AC motors, three In DC motors, two input

input terminals (RYB) terminals (positive and
is present. negative) are present.

9 Speed Control The speed of an AC In the case of DC motors,

motor can be changed speed can be controlled by
by varying the changing the armature
frequency. winding’s current.

10 Load Change AC motors show a slow DC motors show a quick

response to the change response to the change in load.
in load.

11 Life Expectancy Since AC motors do The brushes and commutators

not have brushes and in DC motors limit the speed
commutators, they are and reduce the life expectancy
very rigged and have a of the motor.
high life expectancy.

12 Efficiency Due to induction The efficiency of the DC

current loss and motor motor is high as there is no slip
slip, the efficiency of and induction current loss.
the AC motor is less.

13 Maintenance AC motors require less DC motors require excessive

maintenance as brushes maintenance due to the
and commutators are presence of brushes and
absent. commutators.

14 Applications AC motors are required DC motors are required where

where there is a need there is a need for variable
for high speed and speed and high torque.
variable torque.

15 Practical Uses They are mainly used They are mostly used in small
in large industries. domestic appliances.
Difference Between AC and DC Motor