What could cause an AC electric motor to run too slowly?

The reason why lack of lubrication, defective wiring, or low applied voltage can cause an AC electric motor to run too slowly revolves around the fundamental operation and efficiency of the motor.

When there is a lack of lubrication, the moving parts within the motor can experience increased friction. This added resistance not only leads to wear and tear over time but also significantly slows down the motor's operation because the motor has to work harder to overcome the friction created by inadequate lubrication.

Defective wiring can introduce resistance within the electrical circuit. If wires are damaged, corroded, or improperly connected, the resulting higher resistance could lead to insufficient voltage being delivered to the motor windings. This reduces the power output, preventing the motor from reaching its designed speed.

Low applied voltage directly impacts the performance of an AC motor. Electric motors are designed to operate efficiently within a specific voltage range. If the voltage supplied falls below this level, the motor cannot generate the required torque and speed due to insufficient electromagnetic force.

Overall, these factors contribute to the motor not being able to perform optimally, resulting in a decreased operational speed.