What happens to motor rotation if the phase sequence is reversed?

• A. It rotates in the reverse direction
• B. It stops
• C. It speeds up
• D. It changes torque only

Answer: (A)

Three-phase motors rely on a rotating magnetic field created by three phase voltages. The direction that this magnetic field rotates is set by the order of the phases (the phase sequence). If you reverse that order, the rotating magnetic field reverses direction, so the rotor follows and spins in the opposite direction. The torque remains present, but the direction of rotation changes accordingly. You can achieve this reversal by swapping any two of the supply leads.