Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test 2025 - Free Maintenance Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The synchronous speed of a rotating magnetic field is calculated using the formula srpm = 120 x F / P, where srpm denotes synchronous speed in revolutions per minute, F represents the frequency in hertz, and P symbolizes the number of poles in the motor. This formula fundamentally arises from the relationship between the frequency of the alternating current and the mechanical rotation of the motor.

In direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) motors, the frequency dictates how quickly the magnetic fields rotate, while the number of poles determines how many magnetic fields are present. The factor of 120 comes into play as a conversion factor, as there are 60 seconds in a minute and the magnetic field completes a full cycle with respect to the number of poles.

Using this calculation, you can predict the speed at which a motor will operate based on its frequency and design specifications. Understanding this concept is fundamental for industrial maintenance technicians in order to efficiently manage motor operations and troubleshoot any issues that may arise in the field.