Which type of motor allows air to pass through and cool itself?

An open motor is designed to allow air to circulate freely around its components, which enables effective cooling. This is particularly important in applications where the motor might generate significant heat during operation. The open design avoids any enclosing barriers, allowing ambient air to flow in and out of the motor, thus facilitating cooling through convection.

In contrast, closed, sealed, and shielded motors typically restrict airflow to protect internal parts from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and contaminants. While these designs may provide better protection and longevity for the motor in harsh conditions, they do not allow for the same level of natural cooling through air circulation that open motors do. This difference highlights the functional advantage of open motors in settings where heat dissipation is crucial.