Why does the induction motor Draw a heavy current at starting?
Answer:
An induction motor draws a large current when starting due to the initial conditions encountered during starting.
When the motor is stopped, there is no electromotive force (EMF) opposing the input voltage.
This means the current is higher, creating more starting torque to overcome inertia and move the motor.
This high starting current is called “starting current” or “blocking current”. As the motor begins to rotate, the back EMF increases, reducing the current to a more stable operating level.