How is the rotation of a three-phase induction motor reversed?

Reversing the rotation of a three-phase induction motor can be effectively achieved by switching two of the three phase leads supplying power to the motor. This method alters the phase sequence of the electrical supply, which directly affects the magnetic field within the motor.

In a three-phase induction motor, the rotation is determined by the order in which the phases are energized. Each phase contributes to the creation of a rotating magnetic field, and if two phases are swapped, the direction of the rotating magnetic field is reversed. As a result, the rotor will then also rotate in the opposite direction.

Although options related to changing frequency, switching phase sequence, or adding a capacitor might have their own specific applications in motor control or operation, they do not directly or effectively reverse the rotation of a three-phase induction motor like altering the connection of the phase leads does. This makes reversing two leads the most straightforward and efficient method for achieving the desired reversal in motor direction.