Red Seal Electrician Practice
MotorsQuestion 1029 of 1506

How do single-phase induction motors commonly get a definite starting direction?

  1. A second neutral wire added to the supply
  2. A transformer wired in series with the rotor
  3. An auxiliary winding in series with a capacitor
  4. A diode placed in the supply line
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Correct answer: An auxiliary winding in series with a capacitor

The capacitor shifts the current in the second winding so the fields have a rotation.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 7.4: Polyphase Motor Design

Practice motors

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026