AC Motor Speed Controller

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This AC motor speed controller can handle most universal type (brushed) AC motors and other loads up to about 250W. It works in much the same was a light dimmer circuit; by chopping part of the AC waveform off to effectively control voltage. Because of this functionality, the circuit will work for a wide variety of loads including incandescent light bulbs, heating elements, brushed AC motors and some transformers. The circuit tries to maintain a constant motor speed regardless of load so it is also ideal for power tools. Note that the circuit can only control brushed AC motors. Inductive motors require a variable frequency control.

Schematic

Parts

Part	Total Qty.	Description	Substitutions
R1	1	27K 1W Resistor
R2	1	10K 1/4W Resistor
R3	1	100K 1/4W Resistor
R4	1	33K 1/4W Resistor
R5	1	2.2K 1/4W Resistor
R6	1	1K 1/4W Resistor
R7	1	60K Ohm 1/4W Resistor
R8	1	3K Linear Taper Trim Pot
R9	1	5K Linear Taper Pot
R10	1	4.7K Linear Taper Trim Pot
R11	1	3.3K 1/4W Resistor
R12	1	100 Ohm 1/4W Resistor
R13	1	47 Ohm 1W Resistor (See Notes)
C1, C3	2	0.1uF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
C2	1	100uF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
D1	1	6V Zener Diode
Q1	1	2N2222 NPN Transistor	2N3904
SCR1	1	ECG5400
TR1	1	TRIAC (See Notes)
U1	1	DIAC Opto-Isolator (See Notes)
BR1, BR2	2	5A 50V Bridge Rectifier
T1	1	Transformer (See Notes)
MISC	1	PC Board, Case, Line Cord, Socket For U1, Heatsinks

Notes

TR1 must be chosen to match the requirements of the load. Most generic TRIACs with ratings to support your load will work fine in this circuit. If you find a TRIAC that works well, feel free to leave a comment.

U1 must be chosen to match the ratings of TR1. Most generic DIAC based opto-isolators will work fine. If you have success with a specific part, feel free to leave a comment.

T1 is any small transformer with a 1:10 turns ratio. The circuit is designed to run on 120V so a 120V to 12V transformer will work. Alternately, you can wind T1 on a transformer core using a primary of 25 turns, a secondary of 200 turns, and 26 gauge magnet wire.

R9 is used to adjust motor speed. R10 is a trim pot used to fine tune the governing action of the circuit. R8 fine tunes the feedback circuit to adjust for proper voltage at the gate of SCR1. It should be adjusted to just past the minimum point at which the circuit begins to operate.

R13 must be chosen to match the load. Generally, larger loads will require a smaller value.

Since this circuit is not isolated from mains, it must be built in an insulated case.

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anonymous AC Motor Speed Controller Friday, September 26, 2014 10:20:34 PM

please im also interested in the above project. ac motor speed controller. can anyone provide notes on how the circuit works. thanx in advance

Mohammed Ali AC Motor Speed Controller Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:58:28 AM

The project is very good and i like it but it lacks notes on how the circuit operates,can any one pliz sent me the circuit operation. Thank u in advance.

Bakos Gy R13 AC Motor Speed Controller Thursday, November 01, 2012 7:12:29 PM

Is R13 not 0.47Ohm? I mean on full steam the written 250W motor consumes more than one amper, counting that through with this 1ampere U=I*R=1*47=47Volt , P=U*I=47*1=47Watt ????!!!

ebony AC Motor Speed Controller Saturday, May 19, 2012 8:17:06 AM

The project is ok and i like it but it lacks notes on how the circuit operates,can u pliz sent me the circuit operation notes on my e-mail. Thank u in advance.

anush AC Motor Speed Controller Saturday, March 12, 2011 9:51:30 PM

wonderful circuit. is it feasible to use this circuit for 220V?

tomal AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, March 01, 2011 10:02:27 PM

I suppose number of turns for T1 transformer should be half for 220V. Pls correct me if I'm wrong. I trying to build for 220V...

Selwyn AC Motor Speed Controller Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:03:42 AM

Someone asked a question re this project on converting circuit to 220v. Any suggestions on component values?

sandeep AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, January 04, 2011 12:14:40 PM

dear sir,i have an ac induction motor drive and also have a input circuit (i use previousely to operate a dc motor),but the problem is it not works on ac drive.can u suggest on it. i can provide technical detail and pictures of entire system. waiting for ur early reply.

wind tech from Pine Ridge AC Motor Speed Controller Saturday, July 31, 2010 11:54:57 PM

About the diac used in the speed controller( to the person looking for a match to the triac) Diacs are not much different depending on the part # they only severe to allow the triac to trigger symetrically in both polarities of gate signal. They will not pass current until the gate trigger signal rises above the mid twenty volt range in either +/- voltage.

madhu AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:26:13 AM

this site is very useful for all the persons not only for techno grads but also for every one who are interested in electrical machines which is one of the challenging subject it also helps in improving knowledge

Walter C. Van Choate AC Motor Speed Controller Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:38:39 AM

I was reffered to your site. I wanted to please ask if you could show me how to add the AC motor controller to a vacuum cleaner that is way to fast to clean floor rugs, blinds, and counter tops.... Please be sure that your help with this matter willl be very much appreciated for sure. Willl be looking in the email for your reply. Yours Respectfully, WC

angel AC Motor Speed Controller Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:08:06 AM

Very impressive design! but i want a circuit like this to operate in 220V AC. What should i do? i need your immediate response. Thanks..

S P Naik AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:35:55 AM

its a very informative site. Thank you to the persons who made this possible its really helping

vijay AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, June 30, 2009 7:39:04 AM

hi sir i choosen this ac motorn speed controller as my project details of this project is very less so please kindly send to a mail to me about all details and cost and another my main doubt is ratings motor so please mentioned the ratings of motor

Bent Ears Audio Laboratories AC Motor Speed Controller Wednesday, June 24, 2009 4:14:25 PM

Great design! Took me about 2 hours to assemble and tweak. Works just as I wanted it to; took my studio exhaust fan down to a nice slow rotation - just enough to pull a gentle draft out of the room. Tom

fieroboom AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, June 09, 2009 2:27:34 AM

Hey all, I just stumbled on this schematic, and headed off to eBay... I found a BTA12-600B (600V, 12A max) TRIAC 2-pack for $2.50 shipped... The only problem is I'm not finding any DIACS that are anywhere near my needs (120V, 300W motor), much less being anywhere close to matching the TRIACS as mentioned in the notes. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

farhan elahi AC Motor Speed Controller Monday, May 25, 2009 6:04:31 AM

i studeid the controll system and i found it more sute able for all technitions.Thnk you for this.

vimal AC Motor Speed Controller Wednesday, April 22, 2009 6:20:52 AM

sir plz tell me what should i do to made the model of ACmotor speed controler

RAYMOND EUGENE SIEGLER,PART TIME MAD SCIENTIST AC Motor Speed Controller AND OTHER CIRCUT DIAGRAMS Sunday, February 22, 2009 3:45:47 AM

THANK-YOU;ITS SO NICE TO SEE SITES ON INTERNET THAT ARE FREELY SHARING INFORMATION(AS IT SHOULD BE)SO MANY SITES "ARE IN IT FOR A QUICK BUCK".........KNOWLEDGE IS POWER....I HOPE SOMEDAY(HOPEFULLY SOON);I WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE SOME OF THIS"POWER"WITH OTHERS SO I MAY BE ABLE TO ENRICH OTHERS AS YOU HAVE FOR ME.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

JACK AC Motor Speed Controller Thursday, October 16, 2008 4:46:46 PM

Well im busy with this project and i kinda have a problem its not running as it should. Ive used a BT139 triac do you think this might be a problem, anybody please.

Asumadu Seth Sarfo AC Motor Speed Controller Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:37:30 AM

Mr. Aaron I like youe AC Motor Speed Controller and I want to build it for my project work. Sir my problem is, the power I wuold like to use is 220 volt but you said the circuit works with 120 volt. please tell me what to do. My exams is very close.help me

anonymous AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:56:21 AM

This circuit is radical!

joeM AC Motor Speed Controller Saturday, September 13, 2008 5:03:22 PM

Some strange comments here. Love your circuit, much better than most triac circuits posted. I haven't tried it yet, but I will. Always looking for a better triac circuit to try. I'll let you know if it doesn't work.

bilel AC Motor Speed Controller Friday, March 07, 2008 3:03:27 PM

please help me to do my project,its very important to me to continue my high education,i would like to know exactly how to release the 3 phase gradator command card for AC speed controller?THANK U.

anurag tomar AC Motor Speed Controller Tuesday, February 05, 2008 3:42:09 AM

tell me about the project cost and programming criteria

reema AC Motor Speed Controller Wednesday, January 09, 2008 7:30:27 AM

what will be cost of project

paul brown AC Motor Speed Controller Friday, December 21, 2007 6:34:46 AM

a 3 phase motor is really just a large stepper motor, which uses the ac sinewave phases as it's timimg source. essentially to reverse a three phase motor , all you need to do is reverse two of the legs (phases) this can be done with a reversing motor contactor or a dpdt relay wired as an h-bridge. BE VERY CAREFUL 3 phase industrial electricity can kill you,and I've come darn close! that may result if if you don't know what you are doing, you could have a real mess on your hands

kamesh AC Motor Speed Controller Monday, December 10, 2007 3:06:04 AM

can you please give the specific rating or number of the TRI(TRIAC) and U1(DIAC).

Mustafa Edries three phase motor Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:07:24 AM

i need the automatic circuit diagram for a three phase motor turning clockwise and counterclockwise by changing the order of phases.I need the circuit which has a timer and turns the motor CW for 5 minutes then stop for 1 minute and then again turns the motor CCW for 5 minutes.

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anonymous	AC Motor Speed Controller	Friday, September 26, 2014 10:20:34 PM
please im also interested in the above project. ac motor speed controller. can anyone provide notes on how the circuit works. thanx in advance
Mohammed Ali	AC Motor Speed Controller	Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:58:28 AM
The project is very good and i like it but it lacks notes on how the circuit operates,can any one pliz sent me the circuit operation. Thank u in advance.
Bakos Gy	R13 AC Motor Speed Controller	Thursday, November 01, 2012 7:12:29 PM
Is R13 not 0.47Ohm? I mean on full steam the written 250W motor consumes more than one amper, counting that through with this 1ampere U=IR=147=47Volt , P=UI=471=47Watt ????!!!
ebony	AC Motor Speed Controller	Saturday, May 19, 2012 8:17:06 AM
The project is ok and i like it but it lacks notes on how the circuit operates,can u pliz sent me the circuit operation notes on my e-mail. Thank u in advance.
anush	AC Motor Speed Controller	Saturday, March 12, 2011 9:51:30 PM
wonderful circuit. is it feasible to use this circuit for 220V?
tomal	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, March 01, 2011 10:02:27 PM
I suppose number of turns for T1 transformer should be half for 220V. Pls correct me if I'm wrong. I trying to build for 220V...
Selwyn	AC Motor Speed Controller	Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:03:42 AM
Someone asked a question re this project on converting circuit to 220v. Any suggestions on component values?
sandeep	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, January 04, 2011 12:14:40 PM
dear sir,i have an ac induction motor drive and also have a input circuit (i use previousely to operate a dc motor),but the problem is it not works on ac drive.can u suggest on it. i can provide technical detail and pictures of entire system. waiting for ur early reply.
wind tech from Pine Ridge	AC Motor Speed Controller	Saturday, July 31, 2010 11:54:57 PM
About the diac used in the speed controller( to the person looking for a match to the triac) Diacs are not much different depending on the part # they only severe to allow the triac to trigger symetrically in both polarities of gate signal. They will not pass current until the gate trigger signal rises above the mid twenty volt range in either +/- voltage.
madhu	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:26:13 AM
this site is very useful for all the persons not only for techno grads but also for every one who are interested in electrical machines which is one of the challenging subject it also helps in improving knowledge
Walter C. Van Choate	AC Motor Speed Controller	Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:38:39 AM
I was reffered to your site. I wanted to please ask if you could show me how to add the AC motor controller to a vacuum cleaner that is way to fast to clean floor rugs, blinds, and counter tops.... Please be sure that your help with this matter willl be very much appreciated for sure. Willl be looking in the email for your reply. Yours Respectfully, WC
angel	AC Motor Speed Controller	Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:08:06 AM
Very impressive design! but i want a circuit like this to operate in 220V AC. What should i do? i need your immediate response. Thanks..
S P Naik	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:35:55 AM
its a very informative site. Thank you to the persons who made this possible its really helping
vijay	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, June 30, 2009 7:39:04 AM
hi sir i choosen this ac motorn speed controller as my project details of this project is very less so please kindly send to a mail to me about all details and cost and another my main doubt is ratings motor so please mentioned the ratings of motor
Bent Ears Audio Laboratories	AC Motor Speed Controller	Wednesday, June 24, 2009 4:14:25 PM
Great design! Took me about 2 hours to assemble and tweak. Works just as I wanted it to; took my studio exhaust fan down to a nice slow rotation - just enough to pull a gentle draft out of the room. Tom
fieroboom	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, June 09, 2009 2:27:34 AM
Hey all, I just stumbled on this schematic, and headed off to eBay... I found a BTA12-600B (600V, 12A max) TRIAC 2-pack for $2.50 shipped... The only problem is I'm not finding any DIACS that are anywhere near my needs (120V, 300W motor), much less being anywhere close to matching the TRIACS as mentioned in the notes. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
farhan elahi	AC Motor Speed Controller	Monday, May 25, 2009 6:04:31 AM
i studeid the controll system and i found it more sute able for all technitions.Thnk you for this.
vimal	AC Motor Speed Controller	Wednesday, April 22, 2009 6:20:52 AM
sir plz tell me what should i do to made the model of ACmotor speed controler
RAYMOND EUGENE SIEGLER,PART TIME MAD SCIENTIST	AC Motor Speed Controller AND OTHER CIRCUT DIAGRAMS	Sunday, February 22, 2009 3:45:47 AM
THANK-YOU;ITS SO NICE TO SEE SITES ON INTERNET THAT ARE FREELY SHARING INFORMATION(AS IT SHOULD BE)SO MANY SITES "ARE IN IT FOR A QUICK BUCK".........KNOWLEDGE IS POWER....I HOPE SOMEDAY(HOPEFULLY SOON);I WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE SOME OF THIS"POWER"WITH OTHERS SO I MAY BE ABLE TO ENRICH OTHERS AS YOU HAVE FOR ME.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
JACK	AC Motor Speed Controller	Thursday, October 16, 2008 4:46:46 PM
Well im busy with this project and i kinda have a problem its not running as it should. Ive used a BT139 triac do you think this might be a problem, anybody please.
Asumadu Seth Sarfo	AC Motor Speed Controller	Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:37:30 AM
Mr. Aaron I like youe AC Motor Speed Controller and I want to build it for my project work. Sir my problem is, the power I wuold like to use is 220 volt but you said the circuit works with 120 volt. please tell me what to do. My exams is very close.help me
anonymous	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:56:21 AM
This circuit is radical!
joeM	AC Motor Speed Controller	Saturday, September 13, 2008 5:03:22 PM
Some strange comments here. Love your circuit, much better than most triac circuits posted. I haven't tried it yet, but I will. Always looking for a better triac circuit to try. I'll let you know if it doesn't work.
bilel	AC Motor Speed Controller	Friday, March 07, 2008 3:03:27 PM
please help me to do my project,its very important to me to continue my high education,i would like to know exactly how to release the 3 phase gradator command card for AC speed controller?THANK U.
anurag tomar	AC Motor Speed Controller	Tuesday, February 05, 2008 3:42:09 AM
tell me about the project cost and programming criteria
reema	AC Motor Speed Controller	Wednesday, January 09, 2008 7:30:27 AM
what will be cost of project
paul brown	AC Motor Speed Controller	Friday, December 21, 2007 6:34:46 AM
a 3 phase motor is really just a large stepper motor, which uses the ac sinewave phases as it's timimg source. essentially to reverse a three phase motor , all you need to do is reverse two of the legs (phases) this can be done with a reversing motor contactor or a dpdt relay wired as an h-bridge. BE VERY CAREFUL 3 phase industrial electricity can kill you,and I've come darn close! that may result if if you don't know what you are doing, you could have a real mess on your hands
kamesh	AC Motor Speed Controller	Monday, December 10, 2007 3:06:04 AM
can you please give the specific rating or number of the TRI(TRIAC) and U1(DIAC).
Mustafa Edries	three phase motor	Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:07:24 AM
i need the automatic circuit diagram for a three phase motor turning clockwise and counterclockwise by changing the order of phases.I need the circuit which has a timer and turns the motor CW for 5 minutes then stop for 1 minute and then again turns the motor CCW for 5 minutes.