What effect does a large initial start-up current have on a series-wound DC motor?

A large initial start-up current in a series-wound DC motor is crucial for producing high starting torque. In a series-wound configuration, the field winding is connected in series with the armature winding, meaning that when the motor starts, the same current flows through both the field and armature coils. This results in a strong magnetic field due to the high current during startup.

The strong magnetic field enhances the torque produced by the motor, allowing it to overcome inertia and start moving heavy loads effectively. This capability is especially important in applications where the motor needs to move heavy machinery or equipment from a standstill. Therefore, the characteristic of high starting torque is a primary advantage of having a large initial start-up current in a series-wound DC motor.