7 Difference between Slip Ring and Split Ring in Tabular Form

In an earlier article, we learned the difference between slip ring and squirrel cage of induction motor.

Here, in this article, we are going to study the difference between slip ring and split ring. This is a very basic question asked by the interviewer in an interview or viva.

And also one of the readers asked me the same question in the post comment. So, I thought of answering it. I will try to cover all the basic specifications of both rings.

Let’s compare each point one by one,

Slip Ring vs Split Ring [in Tabular form]

#	Content	Slip Ring	Split Ring
1	[Definition] What is a slip ring & a split ring?	The electromechanical device that is used to transfer the electrical energy (in the form of current) across the moving interfaces or device (like as a rotor) is called as a ‘Slip Ring’.	The electromechanical device that is used to reverse the direction of current is called as a ‘Split Ring’.
2	Slip & Split rings are also known as	In other words, the slip ring is known as a ‘Collector ring’, ‘Rotary electrical interface’, ‘Electrical rotary joints’, ‘Rotating electrical connector’, and ‘Swivel’.	It looks like a split or half-circular ring form.
3	What is the role of the slip & split rings?	The main function of the slip ring device is to transfer the electric signal or data between stationary (i.e. stator) and rotary (i.e. rotor) parts.	The main function of the split ring device is to change the direction of current at a specific (i.e. half circular form) rotation part.
4	Where do we use slip & split rings?	The slip ring is used in the AC motor and generator.	The split ring is used in the DC motor and generator.
5	Working function	This ring is used for forwarding and reversing polarities of current.	This ring is used only for reversing the polarity of the current.
6	Use of slip & split rings	This device is widely used for supplying the continuous input voltage in induction motor and synchronous motor.	This device is widely used for supplying the pulsating input voltage in dynamo and universal motors.

7. Construction of slip & split rings

• The construction of the slip ring of the induction motor looks like a continuous or complete circular ring form.
• The construction of the split ring of the induction motor looks like a split or half-circular ring form.

Slip ring and Split ring of Induction Motor (Image source)

The above comparison has covered all the basic differences of slip ring vs split ring (or commutator). If you have any queries regarding both rings, ask below in the comment.

Read more related differences:

• Alternating current vs Direct current
• Motor vs Generator
• Stator vs Rotor
• Alternator vs Generator
• Stepper motor vs Servo motor
• Single phase vs Three phase AC System

Thanks for Reading!