All electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, to power larger machines, appliances and vehicles. There are many different types of machines which use electricity to produce mechanical energy, with distinctions being made between differing sources of electrical energy, internal construction, application and the type of motion given.
Induction electric motors are classified according to the source of electrical energy and particular construction. Induction models, also known as asynchronous motors, are powered by an alternating current (AC) by the means of electromagnetic induction, instead of the commutators that are used in other AC motors. Induction motors are commonly used across industry as well as in domestic appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and clothes driers.
Induction electric motors were the first type of AC machine to be invented, by Nikola Tesla in 1883. As such, induction motors follow a simple principle of construction and operation compared to more modern designs, but are still very rugged, quiet and long lasting. Induction motors are distinctive because they use an induced current in the rotor to produce rotational motion.