Editing Slip ring (section)

{{Short description|Electromechanical device}}
[[File:Electric Motor with Slip Rings.svg|thumb|300px|Sketch of a cross-section of slip rings for an electric motor. In this example, the slip rings have a brush-lifting device and a sliding contact bar, allowing the slip-rings to be short-circuited when no longer required. This can be used in starting a slip-ring induction motor, for example.]]

A '''slip ring''' is an [[electromechanical]] device that allows the transmission of [[Electric power|power]] and electrical [[Signal|signals]] from a stationary to a rotating structure.  A slip ring can be used in any [[Electromechanics|electromechanical]] system that requires [[rotation]] while transmitting power or signals. It can improve mechanical performance, simplify system operation and eliminate damage-prone wires dangling from movable joints.

Also called '''rotary electrical interfaces''', '''rotating electrical connectors''', '''collectors''', '''swivels''', or '''electrical rotary joints''', these rings are commonly found in [[slip ring motor]]s, [[electrical generator]]s for [[alternating current]] (AC) systems and [[alternator]]s and in packaging machinery, cable reels, and [[wind turbine]]s. They can be used on any rotating object to transfer power, control circuits, or [[Analog signal|analog]] or [[Digital signal|digital signals]] including [[data]] such as those found on [[aerodrome beacon]]s, [[rotating tank]]s, [[power shovel]]s, [[radio telescope]]s, [[telemetry]] systems, [[heliostat]]s or [[ferris wheel]]s.

A slip ring (in [[electrical engineering]] terms) is a method of making an [[electricity|electrical]] connection through a rotating assembly.  Formally, it is an electric transmission device that allows energy flow between two electrical rotating parts, such as in a [[motor]].

[[File:Sliprings annotated.jpg|thumb|right|Slip rings on a [[hydroelectric]] generator;<br>
A - stationary spring-loaded graphite brushes,<br>
B - rotating steel contact ring,<br>
C - insulated connections to generator field winding,<br>
D - top end of generator shaft.]]