This video shows one step in collecting motor winding data: how to measure magnet wire.

This webinar recording looks at several aspects of winding design to prevent increased temperature rise and decreased efficiency.

When taking winding data, the area most prone to error is in identifying the connection. This article includes a reference page that winders are encouraged to print and laminate for future use.

We begin this article by clarifying the terms "alternator" and "generator." Both terms refer to a machine that converts mechanical to electrical power. An alternator is a synchronous machine that converts mechanical to AC electrical power. A generator is a more general term and is a machine that converts mechanical to electrical power, either AC or DC. An alternator is always a generator, but not vice-versa. Our focus in this article will be on 3-phase alternators. However, much of the information provided also applies to single-phase alternators and single- or three-phase generators. Key steps are:

• Identifying the leads
• Determining lead wire size
• Determining the internal connections
• Current density
• Winding changes
• Voltage changes

Describes the correct procedure for taking data from hand-wound DC armatures. Shows how to record the data on typical DC data sheets, and explains the terminology used describing DC data. Points out differences between lap and wave windings.

Teaches how to determine type of connection, number of parallel circuits, turns per coil, wire size, span and groups. Shows step-by-step way to properly record all information.