Normally, the easiest place to reverse the leads to change the direction of rotation of a 3-phase motor is at the

• A. Speed controller
• B. Power supply
• C. Motor windings
• D. Switchgear

Answer: (D)

The direction of a three-phase motor is set by the order in which the three supply voltages reach the windings. If you swap any two of the phase leads, the sequence changes and the motor spins in the opposite direction. The easiest place to make that swap is at switchgear—the point where the motor circuit is energized and controlled. Using a reversing switch or a pair of contactors in the switchgear lets you swap two lines safely and quickly without opening the motor or altering the power source. Reconfiguring the motor windings internally is impractical for routine operation, and reversing at a speed controller or at the power supply is less convenient or appropriate for standard motor setups.