What "brushed" actually means
A brushed DC motor switches current with mechanical brushes on a commutator. That makes the electronics simple, but the brushes wear. In small and medium power drives that trade-off is usually worth it.
Brushed vs brushless DC motor
| Feature | Brushed DC | Brushless DC |
|---|---|---|
| Controller cost | Low | Higher |
| Maintenance | Replace brushes | Minimal, sealed |
| Speed control | Simple (voltage) | Needs electronic commutation |
| Starting torque | High | High |
| Best fit | Small/medium drives, quick builds | High-speed, long-life, precision |
Power ladder of brushed DC motors
| Power | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 100 - 750 W | Actuators, small gear and instrument drives. |
| 0.4 - 4 kW | Small pumps, conveyors and machines. |
| 4 - 10 kW (5.5 / 10 kW) | Small mill and crane auxiliary drives. |
| 10 kW upward | Z4 / Z larger DC motors. |
Wangpai brushed DC ranges
| Series | Application |
|---|---|
| Z2 series | Classic small/medium brushed DC range. |
| Z2C series | Marine / shipboard brushed DC motor. |
| Z4 series | Wider power range, up to 500 kW. |
Brushed DC FAQ
What is a 400W brushed DC motor? A small motor rated 400 W (0.4 kW) shaft output - common for compact conveyor, actuator and instrument drives.
Are brushed DC motors obsolete? No - they are still cost-effective for small/medium drives. For very high power, DC (Z4/Z) or AC + VFD are used instead.