At what point do electric motors draw the most current?

Electric motors draw the most current during the starting phase. This is due to the fact that when a motor is powered on, it has to overcome the inertia of the rotor and any connected load, which requires a significant amount of force. During this moment, the motor operates at a lower speed while still trying to reach its rated speed, leading to a higher current draw known as inrush current. This inrush current can be several times greater than the motor's normal operating current.

As the motor reaches its operating speed, the current draw decreases considerably and stabilizes at a lower level necessary to maintain the operation under load. While electric motors do draw current when under load, it is the sudden demand for torque during the start-up process that results in the maximum current draw.

Therefore, the correct understanding of the behavior of electric motors during the starting phase is crucial for both troubleshooting and ensuring that the electrical system can handle these peak loads safely.