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How It Works: Electric Motors

Learn what the differences are between brushed and brushless electric motors

by Justin Fink

Power tools use electric motors. In this "How It Works" article, senior editor Justin Fink describes the differences between brushed motors and a new technology, brushless motors. Both types of motor rely on a combination of magnets and electromagnets to create rotation. The design of a brushed motor requires a physical connection between two of the parts, which creates friction and a subsequent amount of wasted energy. A brushless motor has no such connection, so no energy is wasted as the motor operates. A related article appears in FHB #226 under the "Tools & Materials" department.

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From Fine Homebuilding226 , pp. 18-19 March 8, 2012

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