How can the direction of rotation of a three-phase motor be reversed?

The direction of rotation of a three-phase motor can be reversed by changing any of the phase leads. In a three-phase motor, the direction of rotation is determined by the sequence in which the three phases are energized. Each phase carries current at a different time, creating a rotating magnetic field.

When you swap two of the phase leads, it effectively changes the order in which the phases are applied to the motor. This alteration in phase sequence will reverse the direction of the rotating magnetic field, thereby causing the motor to turn in the opposite direction. This method is widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness in practical applications when operating three-phase motors.

The other options do not achieve reversal effectively. For instance, changing the speed leads does not affect the rotation direction and instead relates primarily to speed control. Altering the magnetic field itself is not a practicable or direct method for reversing rotation; it’s the phase order that influences rotation. Replacing the motor starter might affect the operation of the motor but does not directly lead to a reversal of rotation.