When do DC electric motors typically draw excessive current?

DC electric motors typically draw excessive current during the starting phase. This occurs because, at startup, the motor is initially at rest and requires a significant amount of torque to begin turning. To generate this torque, the motor draws more current than it does during normal operating conditions.

During normal operation, the motor's current draw stabilizes based on the load it is handling, which is generally much lower than the inrush current experienced at startup. High-speed applications also do not typically result in excessive current draw; rather, they rely on the motor reaching a steady-state condition once it has accelerated to the desired speed. When a motor is overloaded, it can draw more current than normal, but this scenario typically leads to overheating or tripping protective devices rather than the inrush current seen at startup.

Thus, the highest current draw occurs at the moment the motor starts, making this phase critical for understanding DC motor operation and electrical management in various applications.