Electric motors power everything from tiny electronics to massive industrial pumps. Yet, they all work on the same basic principles. Though AC motors seem ordinary, there are complex activities going on behind the scenes.

The simplest types of motors are three-phase AC motors. They convert a rotating magnetic field into mechanical rotation. The basic parts of an AC motor are the stator, rotor, bearings, drive shaft, and frame. The supply power is connected to coils of wire that are wrapped around laminated iron cores in the stator; the stationary part of the motor. When the coils of wire receive current, they generate a magnetic field known as poles. Each phase of power has the same number of poles; the poles are spaced evenly around the stator.

Historically, speed control of three-phase induction motors was very difficult. The only way to change the operational speed is to change the frequency of electricity supplied. Today, this task is accomplished by use of a variable frequency drive or VFD. This device is made of three main components: a rectifier, a DC-Link, and an inverter. The rectifier takes the incoming AC voltage and converts it to DC voltage that can be used by the electronics in the VFD. The DC-Link then uses capacitors to help smooth out the DC voltage from the rectifier and feeds it to the inverter.

The inverter then converts the DC voltage back to AC voltage. The inverter also controls the output frequency of the AC power by sending precisely timed pulses of DC power at specific voltages to rebuild the AC sine wave.

With a VFD, not only can the output frequency be controlled, but it can be slowly ramped up. This allows for smoother starting and can be adjusted to keep a motor spinning at a specific frequency. VFDs can produce three-phase power from a single-phase source, or even a DC source, to power highly efficient three-phase motors in locations without a three-phase supply. VFDs can also be incorporated into a PLC system to allow for automatic or remote control.

The combination of a VFD and AC motors offers a wide variety of functions and increased efficiency. Basic understanding of these technologies is essential for any electrician.

As any good business owner knows, the very first impression you give to the public is everything. When it comes to your office space, your showroom / shop / etc., you’ll need to make that impression count for all it’s worth. One thing that you can do to really make your spaces pop is something that any electrician in Beverly Hills would recommend: custom interior lighting. There are so many possibilities when it comes to customizing commercial lighting, and the budget required for this type of upgrade is often easily within the reach of most business owners. Without much fuss or expense, business owner’s can begin to enjoy the benefits of custom lighting in their building.

What sort of lighting you choose for your business space depends largely on the type of business that you operate. If you are a retailer of fine products such as jewelry or antique furniture, you might choose to have a chandelier installed by a local electrician. Beverly Hills custom lighting specialists would all agree that this type of classical lighting will really set off your wares and help potential customers view them from a totally different perspective.

In contrast, if you own a furniture or home goods store, modern track lighting might be a better idea. The bright lighting and sleek look that it provides will compliment the look and feel of your products. Another option that you might want to go with is recessed lighting. This type of stylish lighting will illuminate your store in a different, yet innovative way.

The Electric Connection, your licensed Beverly Hills electrical contractor, would be happy to assist you with such a project. You can feel free to give us and call and ask us about what sorts of fixtures we would suggest for your custom lighting project, as well as where the fixtures should be installed, and approximately how much it will cost.

Are you excited about getting started on the lighting for your business? If you are ready to get started soon, visit TheElectricConnection.com and get in touch with us for a phone consultation today. The Electric Connection is ready to help you complete your lighting project, and make you proud of your home or business’ new look!