What characteristic distinguishes the start winding of a split phase motor?

The start winding of a split phase motor is distinguished by having more turns of wire than the run winding. This design is crucial for creating a greater impedance, which helps in developing the necessary phase shift between the currents in the two windings. When the motor starts, the additional turns in the start winding generate a stronger magnetic field that facilitates the initial torque required to get the motor up to speed. Once the motor reaches its operating speed, a centrifugal switch or electronic relay typically disengages the start winding, allowing the run winding to take over for efficient operation.

This characteristic effectively enables the motor to start under load and is critical for proper functionality during startup conditions. It is important to note that if the start winding had fewer turns or an equal number of turns compared to the run winding, it would not create the necessary torque needed for starting the motor efficiently.