Possible to Rervese the Rotational Direction of a Single Phase Electric Motor?

**Woodsaw** · 03-13-2008, 12:07 PM

Is it possible to reverse the rotational direction of a single phase electric motor? I know this can be done easiely with 3 phase motor by switching a pair of wires. But how about a single phase AC motor?
Ideas are greatly appreciated

.

Qui

Bryan S · 03-13-2008, 12:26 PM

You can do it but I cant remember how. Depending on how the motors wound is how. Look on the motor nameplate and it should show you.

Alan in Little Washington · 03-13-2008, 12:52 PM

Depends on the motor. Some are CW only, some CCW only, and some will rotate either direction by swapping a few wires- it should say on the motor ID plate what the rotation is, and if it is bi-directional, should show how to wire it for each direction. You are right, it is not like a 3 phase motor.

Woodsaw · 03-13-2008, 02:13 PM

Right now the motor turns CW.

Thanks.

jerrye · 03-13-2008, 06:48 PM

If all else fails, gears. Just two of them.

Gotcha6 · 03-13-2008, 08:25 PM

Most single phase motors of particular frames can be reversed. Look on the nameplate & it should tell you which leads to change out. I did a couple of metal lathe motors this way with a Grainger reversing switch. The switch has contacts in it that change current flow to connected wires relative to their position - fwd - off - rev. Have an electrician look at the motor. If you're not sure you can do it, you're $$ ahead to pay him.