Universal Electric Motor
A universal electric motor is different from regular electric motors in that they can run on either AC or DC power. Despite this flexibility, however,
a universal electric motor almost always run on AC (alternating current) power. The basic difference between AC and DC power is the direction the current flows through the engine; DC (direct current) motors flow in only one direction, while AC can alternate.
A universal electric motor offers an advantage over regular AC motors because they have a high starting torque level. The disadvantage of
a universal electric motor is that their life is considerably shorter. For this reason,
a universal electric motor is typically found in AC devices that are only used intermittently.
A universal electric motor will supply power to blenders, vacuum cleaners, power tools, clothes washers, fans, blow dryers, and other devices.