This chapter on electrical machines covers three main areas of study: transformers, dc machines, and ac machines. Within each area, there are several sub-topics; for example, under ac machines, synchronous and induction machines along with an introduction to ac control motors are presented.

Starting the review with transformer theory may seem unimportant, however many ac rotating machine circuits are based upon the non-ideal transformer equivalent circuit. In this author's opinion, if one has trouble understanding and using the basic non-ideal transformer equivalent circuit, he should probably not spend time reviewing the section on rotating ac machines, but instead use his study time on other subjects. However, if the reader has little familiarity with equivalent circuits, it would pay to use a little of one's study time to work through this transformer area. In addition to the references listed at the end of this chapter, most text books written specifically for service courses (i.e., courses that try to give the whole area of EE in one or two courses - such as "EE for mechanical or civil engineers") have very good explanations of transformer equivalent circuits.