Abstract: The invention relates to a mains-commutated, synchronous AC motor (1) with permanent-magnet excitation, which is configured as an external-rotor motor with a permanent-magnet external rotor (6) which rotates around an inner stator. In this case, an electronic starting apparatus (2) is provided which actuates the stator (4) in order to start the external rotor (6) in such a manner that the external rotor (6) is accelerated in a controlled manner to its synchronous rotation speed, and then continues to run in the mains-commutated synchronous mode.