Red Seal Electrician Practice
MotorsQuestion 1031 of 1506

A single-phase induction motor has been running clockwise. Which statement about its direction is correct?

  1. It can only run clockwise, because it was started that way
  2. It can only run counter-clockwise, because that is its design
  3. It reverses its direction by itself after some time
  4. It has no built-in direction and keeps the one it started in
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Correct answer: It has no built-in direction and keeps the one it started in

Single-phase induction and synchronous motors can turn either way. They continue in the direction they were helped to start.

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

Practice motors

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026