What are the conductors that provide electrical contact to the moving parts of an electric motor called?

In an electric motor, the conductors that provide electrical contact to the moving parts are known as brushes. These brushes are typically made of conductive materials, often carbon or graphite, and serve to transfer electrical current from a stationary source to the rotating components, such as the rotor.

The brushes maintain continuous contact with the commutator, which is a rotary switch that reverses the direction of current in the rotor windings. This switching action is essential for the motor to produce continuous rotational motion. The effectiveness of the brushes is critical to the motor's performance, as they must withstand wear due to friction with the commutator while ensuring a reliable electrical connection.

Commutators, while essential components of certain types of motors, refer specifically to the device that helps facilitate the electrical contact mechanism and does not directly contact the power source. Electrodes typically refer to points in an electrical circuit where current enters or leaves a medium but do not specifically denote the function of providing contact in an electric motor. Connectors are general terms for components used to join electrical circuits but lack the specific operational role of brushes in a motor.