Switches To Control AC Motors

Can you vary the speed of an AC motor?

AC motors are constant speed devices, but their speed may vary if the output voltage or frequency is modified.

AC motor speed control switch

Why speed control switch is needed?

Some loads require variable speed. If the load requires a variable speed (e.g. in case of traction motor), speed control becomes necessary.

The most simple and economic AC motor controllers are the wall switches. They are easy to install, easy to use and economic.

A switch can be used to manually control the rotation speed of the pump and fan motors, where a predefined speed can be selected through the different control mechanisms: switches (also called voltage regulators), or frequency inverters, where each mechanism will be differentiated according to their benefits.

How to choose my wall switches for AC fan speed controllers

Be sure that always purchase a motor control switch designed specifically for use with fans.

Once you have a fan speed control switch, you’ll decide about its desired spectrum of speed. You can probably choose between a 3-speed fan control switch or a 4-speed fan control switch, for example.

Also, you can choose if you want that the speed control switch for fan has an OFF position or only the working positions.

How to control fan speed

Tronic switches for AC fan speed control:

TLR 012: Speed control switch for AC fans with 2-speed control switch positions and an Off position

TLR 013: 3-speed fan control switch for AC fans with 3 working positions and an Off position.

TLR 014: 3 step control switch for AC fans with 3 working positions. No Off position.

TLR 020: 4-speed speed control switch for AC / EC fans with 3 working positions and an Off position.

Why to use a switch in a fan to control speed?

There are two basic types of speed controls switches for fans: wall controls and controls on the unit itself.

The controls on the unit generally have a predetermined number of settings, such as low, medium, high and off. Each time you pull a string, turn a selector or press a button on the unit, change from one setting to the next on the line. For example, you must pull the string several times to go from “low” to “off.”

Wall controls, such as circular controls and other switch switches, allow you to control fans in a much more complete range of speeds, from shutdown to maximum, in a more progressive way.

Advantages of using AC control switches

• Special for ventilation systems
•  High quality
• Low price
• Easy installation

How to control an EC motor?

EC motors are those that help control energy output and achieve greater energy efficiency. These electronically communicated (EC) motors are advancing in the replacement of direct and alternating current motors, especially to cover the need to achieve an improvement in energy efficiency.

EC motors have many benefits. Because EC motors do not have brushes, they do not produce sparks and have a longer life. Other advantages include the fact that they do not waste energy because the electronics control the stator. They provide better performance and controllability, and heat up less than induction motors due to lack of friction. In terms of size, small motors can achieve the same output as traditional DC or AC motors. In addition, a smaller motor saves space, and in the event that the manufacturer uses an external rotor instead of an axle motor, even more space can be saved.

If you have to control an EC motor, you can check our publication on “what is a potentiometer and what it is used for” and all the possibilities it has in our online store.