Pull-out torque or breakdown torque¹⁾ - a point on the torque curve of electric motors, with slightly different meaning for a synchronous motor and an induction motor.

In synchronous motors the value of pull-out torque is a maximum value of torque which allows a synchronous motor to remain in synchronism without “pulling out” of step or synchronism.

The value of pull-out torque is always higher than value of pull-in torque and can be between 1.25 - 3.5 of the nominal full-load torque.³⁾

Typically, during normal operation the torque of the load should not exceed the value of the pull-out torque.

Breakdown torque for an induction motor⁴⁾⁵⁾

^{by S. Zurek, Encyclopedia Magnetica, CC-BY-3.0}

For induction or asynchronous motors the value of breakdown torque is usually synonymous with the peak value on the torque curve.⁶⁾

If the load torque is greater than the pull-out torque then such motor will slow down significantly and if the load torque is not reduced it will stall.

• Pull-in torque
• Pull-up torque
• Stall torque
• Starting torque