Abstract: A multi-speed permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a first winding circuit having an auxiliary winding and a main winding, a second winding circuit having an auxiliary winding and a main winding, a capacitor and a switching device. The switching device is configured to selectively couple the capacitor to the auxiliary winding of the first winding circuit to operate the motor at a first pole speed, and to selectively couple the capacitor to the auxiliary winding of the second winding circuit to operate the motor at a second pole speed. The switching device also open-circuits the inoperative winding circuit during operation of a different winding circuit to interrupt re-circulating current and the associated generated loads caused by any induced voltages.