How do you reverse the turn of an AC electric motor?

[Joel_BC]

I've got an old (but good) 1/3 hp washing machine motor. I need to reverse the direction that the shaft turns. It's a simple 120v, 60cps, AC motor.

My memory tells me that there is a simple rewiring that can be done to reverse the way the motor will start and then turn. Or am I thinking of something related to DC motors?

 

[doc_gonzo]

joel,

try reversing the polarity of the motor, ie. switching the hot and neutral wires. it always worked with greenhouse exaust fan motors.....

doc

 

[Joel_BC]

joel,

try reversing the polarity of the motor, ie. switching the hot and neutral wires. it always worked with greenhouse exaust fan motors.....

Yeah, I was wondering if that simple reversal of those two wires is what does the trick. I'd have just tried that - but was a bit worried the motor could burn out that way. I guess not.

 

[Joel_BC]

Nah, didn't work. So I did a little web search and found that there are several different kinds of AC motors, and some kinds aren't reversible.

I guess I'll be conducting a local search for used 1/3 hp "counterclockwise" electric motors.

 

[Mr.Andersson]

Gears?

 

[Nifty]

I've always wondered about this too! DC motors are super simple... just switch polarity and direction switches. Since AC is literally "alternating", I've always been interested in how direction is determined.

 

[moolie]

So, I know pretty much absolutely nothing about motors, but thinking logically I thought I would add my dumb thought for the day--what if you turn the motor upside-down? Would that work, or am I totally out to lunch?

 

[Joel_BC]

So, I know pretty much absolutely nothing about motors, but thinking logically I thought I would add my dumb thought for the day--what if you turn the motor upside-down? Would that work, or am I totally out to lunch?

The motor sits horizontally, in terms of the shaft providing power. The shaft comes out at one end of the motor casing. Direction of turn would remain the same. A motor shaft turning clockwise would still turn clockwise. A motor shaft turning counterclockwise would still turn counterclockwise.

 

[Wannabefree]

Well then what if you turn it inside out

 

[Joel_BC]

Well then what if you turn it inside out

Oh, yeah... gotta try that!