How is the phase in split-phase motor split?
In a split-phase motor, the phase is split using a special type of winding called a start winding. The start winding is connected to an auxiliary circuit that is separate from the main winding. When power is supplied to the motor, the start winding generates a magnetic field that is slightly out of phase with the magnetic field generated by the main winding. This offset in the magnetic fields causes the rotor (the rotating part of the motor) to begin turning.
Once the motor has started, a centrifugal switch or other type of switch disconnects the start winding from the circuit. The motor then runs on the main winding only, which produces a uniform magnetic field that keeps the rotor turning. By using this split-phase method, a single-phase motor can produce the rotating magnetic field needed to turn the rotor, without requiring a more complex three-phase power supply.