Why is the term "squirrel cage" used in relation to motors?

The term "squirrel cage" refers to the wheel-like appearance of the rotor winding in these types of motors. Squirrel cage rotors consist of laminated iron cores with conductive bars that are shorted at both ends, resembling the structure of a small animal's shelter or exercise wheel. This design is integral to how the rotor interacts with the stator's magnetic field, allowing it to effectively convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The visual similarity to a physical squirrel cage is what gives rise to the name.

The appearance and construction are key features that facilitate the efficiency and performance of these motors, differentiating them from other types of rotor designs, such as wound rotors, which do not have the same structural appearance or operational characteristics.