Abstract: A load indicator for an electric motor, comprising a first means (II, IU, CPU) for repeated determination of the motor load, a second means (CPU) for comparing the current motor load, as determined by the first means, with a preset load limit, and a third means (CPU), PP) for indicating that the current motor load exceeds the load limit. Moreover, a meant (T, CPU) is arranged to initiate a presetting of the load limit. This means is adapted to be actuated, when the motor runs in normal operation, for presetting of the load limit as the current motor load changed by a predetermined deviation value stored in the load indicator.

Abstract: An electric variable reluctance machine having at least three phase circuits with varying reluctance depending on the position of a movable part, made of soft magnetic material, in relation to a stationary part. The phase circuit values having a clear relationship with the reluctance values of the machine are detected and used to select which of the phase circuits are to be activated in order to provide torque in a desired direction. The selected phases are activated in sequence by control pulses from a control unit.