Abstract: A fan assembly includes at least one fan blade for moving air and a line-start permanent magnet (LSPM) motor having a shaft. The fan blade is coupled to the shaft of the line-start permanent magnet motor such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the fan blade for moving air. Also disclosed is an LSPM motor that includes a shaft and a squirrel cage rotor having a plurality of embedded magnets. The LSPM is configured to permit limited rotation of the squirrel cage rotor relative to the shaft as a speed of the motor approaches a synchronous speed. This LSPM motor can be used in a variety of applications including, without limitation, fan assemblies, fluid pumps, etc.