The centrifugal switch in some AC motors serves the purpose of controlling the starting and running processes of the motor. It is primarily found in single-phase induction motors and is commonly used in applications like washing machines, refrigerators, air compressors, and other devices that use this type of motor.
The centrifugal switch consists of two main components: stationary contacts and a rotating mechanism. Here's how it works and what its purpose is:
Starting Process: When an AC motor is initially powered on, it experiences a high starting current that can be several times higher than its normal operating current. This high starting current can cause stress on the motor windings and other components. To mitigate this, the centrifugal switch is designed to help the motor start under reduced load conditions.
Centrifugal Force Activation: The centrifugal switch is mounted on the motor's shaft. As the motor starts to spin up, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes