Definition of 'commutator'

Word Frequency

commutator (ˈkɒmjʊˌteɪtə )

noun

a device used to reverse the direction of flow of an electric current

the segmented metal cylinder or disc mounted on the armature shaft of an electric motor, generator, etc, used to make electrical contact with the rotating coils and ensure unidirectional current flow

Word Frequency

commutator in American English (ˈkɑmjəˌteɪtər ; kämˈyətātˌər)

noun

a device that commutates an electric current, esp. a split-ring metallic conductor that spins rapidly with the armature of a DC motor or generator while in contact with the fixed brushes

Word origin of 'commutator'

< L commutatus (pp. of commutare, commute) + -or

Word Frequency

commutator in Electrical Engineering (kɒmyəteɪtər)

Word forms: (regular plural) commutators

noun

( Electrical engineering : Electrical power , Motor or generator )

A commutator is the metal cylinder or disk on the armature shaft of an electric motor, that is used to make electrical contact with the rotating coils and ensure that the current flows in a single direction.

The commutator switches power to the coils as the rotor turns, keeping the magnetic poles of the rotor from ever fully aligning with the magnetic poles of the stator field.

Motors run better when there is more contact area between the brushes and the commutator.

A commutator is the metal cylinder on the armature shaft of an electric motor, that is used to make electrical contact with the rotating coils and ensure that the current flows in one direction.