Commutators are typically found on which type of motor?

Commutators are an essential component of DC motors. They serve the crucial function of reversing the direction of current flow in the motor windings, which allows for continuous rotation in one direction. In a DC motor, the commutator works in tandem with brushes to maintain a steady electrical connection while the motor rotates, ensuring that the magnetic fields created interact properly with the armature winding to produce motion.

In contrast, AC motors do not use commutators because they operate on alternating current, which does not require the reversal of current flow done by a commutator. Universal motors can operate on both AC and DC but do not require commutators for their basic function as a motor, as they use other mechanisms to achieve similar results. Induction motors are particularly different; they operate on principles of electromagnetic induction and do not use commutators at all.

The design of DC motors with commutators makes them distinct in their ability to provide variable speed and torque control, making this specific understanding of motor types fundamentally important.