Capacitor Start

A three phase motor may be run from a single phase power source. (Figure below) However, it will not self-start. It may be hand started in either direction, coming up to speed in a few seconds. It will only develop 2/3 of the 3-φ power rating because one winding is not used.

3-φmotor runs from 1-φ power, but does not start.

The single coil of a single phase induction motor does not produce a rotating magnetic field, but a pulsating field reaching maximum intensity at 0^o and 180^o electrical. (Figure below)

 Single phase stator produces a nonrotating, pulsating magnetic field.