Red Seal Electrician Practice
Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 1223 of 1506

A technician turns the shaft of an unpowered stepper motor by hand and feels no detent torque. What type is it?

  1. Permanent magnet
  2. Variable reluctance
  3. Hybrid
  4. Can-stack permanent magnet
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Correct answer: Variable reluctance

Only the variable reluctance stepper has no permanent magnet, so it has no detent torque when de-energized.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 13.5: Stepper Motors

Practice meters and troubleshooting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026