Why do large electric motors make that “woooooooo” sound?

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Why do large electric motors make that “woooooooo” sound?

In: Technology

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

There are two possibilities. First, the spinning part of the motor isn’t smooth, so as it turns it beats on the air, making a thrum. Second, because the motors are driven by AC running through wire cores wrapped around metal frames, there are usually enough loose bits to make a 60 (or 50) cycle hum. If the noise is constant regardless of motor speed it’s AC hum, if it increases in volume and frequency as the motor spins up its the thrum.

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