Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Practice Test

What component supplies current to the stator in an AC motor?

1. Lap windings

2. Brushed rotor

3. Stator

4. Slip rings

The correct answer is: Stator

In an AC motor, the component responsible for supplying current to the stator is indeed the stator itself. The stator comprises windings that are energized to create a rotating magnetic field, which is essential for the operation of the motor. When alternating current flows through these windings, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor, facilitating the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy. The stator is stationary, which allows it to maintain a consistent reference point for the rotating magnetic field. This design is critical for the efficiency and functionality of the motor. Understanding the role of the stator is crucial for anyone working with AC motors, as it directly influences performance characteristics like speed, efficiency, and torque. While other components like lap windings, brushed rotors, and slip rings play important roles in specific types of motors, they do not directly supply current to the stator. Instead, the function of these components varies according to their design and application context, underscoring the stator's uniqueness in its primary role in providing the crucial magnetic field required for motor operation.