For a universal motor, current flows in the [same/different] direction through the armature and field winding?

For a universal motor, current flows in the [same/different] direction through the armature and field winding?

• A. Same direction
• B. Different direction
• C. Depends on speed
• D. Not important

Answer: (A)

Current flows in the same direction through the armature and field winding because a universal motor is wired as a series motor, with the two windings in series. That means the same current passes through both windings, producing magnetic fields that reinforce each other to generate torque. On AC power, the current reverses each half cycle, but it does so through both windings together, so the fields reverse together and torque remains in the same rotational direction. If the windings carried current in opposite directions, they would oppose each other and the motor wouldn’t develop proper torque.

Current flows in the same direction through the armature and field winding because a universal motor is wired as a series motor, with the two windings in series. That means the same current passes through both windings, producing magnetic fields that reinforce each other to generate torque. On AC power, the current reverses each half cycle, but it does so through both windings together, so the fields reverse together and torque remains in the same rotational direction. If the windings carried current in opposite directions, they would oppose each other and the motor wouldn’t develop proper torque.