Motor / Actuator DC Polarity Reversing Circuits: Automatic / Manual Direction Control

If you need to reverse the polarity of a DC voltage to change the direction of a motor, actuator, etc. we have a number of solutions...

We have a range of boards that allow you to do this automatically or manually. From manual push button control to automatic and RF remote control.

Maximum voltage and current ratings are quoted on individual product pages. Please ensure they are sufficient for your application.

How it Works

The approach these solutions use to reverse the polarity of a DC supply voltage employs two SPDT relays that are wired as shown below (click for larger image in new tab).

The motor / actuator will be at rest when both relays are OFF or both relays are ON. The DC motor / actuator will move in one direction when only Relay-1 is ON and in the other direction when only Relay-2 is ON. Note: Please bear in mind the higher current drawn if the motor / actuator is reversed without first being stopped and ensure that it does not exceed the rating quoted for the board.

Automatic Timed DC Voltage / Motor / Actuator Reversing Switch

If you want a motor / actuator to automatically switch direction every few seconds to every few hours, we have a few relay boards that will do this for you. You simply wire the relays as shown in the diagram below (click for larger image in new tab).

Here are some boards that can be used for this set-up. Please check the individual product page for maximum relay voltage and current ratings and additional timer boards required to repeat the cycle.

An alternative solution would be to drive a 2-channel relay board like 8045 or CT005 using a cyclical timer like VM188.

A positive feed is taken to the VM188 relay Common terminal. NO and NC are connected respectively to relay positive inputs 1 and 2 on the 8045 or CT005 board and a negative feed is connected to both relay input(-) terminals. The motor / actuator is connected to the 8045/CT005 relay outputs as per the diagram above.

Remote Control (RF or IR) DC Voltage / Motor / Actuator Reversing Switch

If you would like to manually switch the motor / actuator direction you can use one of our 2 channel remote control relay boards. The 8157 receiver board also includes Reset Inputs so you can incorporate limit switches to prevent motor / actuator overrun. You simply wire the relays as shown in the diagram below (click for larger image in new tab).

Here are some boards that can be used for this set-up. Please check the individual product pages for maximum relay voltage and current rating.

2-Channel Momentary, Toggle, Timer RF Relay Receiver (CTL311)- Remotely control 1x DC motor / actuator (with limit switch inputs)
2-Channel High Current RF Remote Control Relay Board (8157) - Remotely control 1x DC motor / actuator (with limit switch inputs)
4 Channel Wireless RF Remote Control Relay Switch Board (3180) - Remotely control 2x DC motor / actuators (with limit switch inputs)
2-Channel RF Remote Control Set (VM130V2SET) - no limit switch inputs on this board
2-Channel IR Remote Receiver KIT (MK161) with 2-Channel IR Remote Transmitter KIT (MK162) - no limit switch inputs on this board

Control Signal DC Voltage / Motor / Actuator Reversing Switch

You can use a 2-channel SPDT relay board with an external control signal to activate each relay sequentially to reverse the polarity of a DC voltage. Some boards to consider are:

When using a DPDT relay, you need to reverse the connections to NC2 and NO2 shown in the diagrams above. The motor / actuator with run on power up in one direction and when the control signal is applied it will reverse direction. Please bear in mind the higher current drawn when the motor / actuator is reversed without first being stopped and ensure that it does not exceed the rating quoted for the board.

Programmable / Computer Control Signal DC Voltage / Motor / Actuator Reversing Switch

Any pair of SPDT relays can be used to reverse the polarity of a DC voltage by simply activating each relay in sequence. Some boards to consider are:

2 Channel Programmable Sequential Controller Relay Module (CI210)
8-Channel RS232 Serial Relay Controller Isolated IO Board (3108) - control up to 4 motor / actuators
8-Channel USB Relay Card Module (VM8090) - control up to 4 motor / actuators

DPDT Relay Board DC Voltage / Motor / Actuator Reversing Switch

This setup may have limited applications but you can use a 1-channel DPDT relay board and an external control signal to reverse the polarity of a DC voltage. Some boards to consider are:

When using a DPDT relay, you need to reverse the connections to NC2 and NO2 shown in the diagrams above. The motor / actuator with run on power up in one direction (relay off) and when the control signal is applied it will reverse direction (relay on). Please bear in mind the higher current drawn when the motor / actuator is reversed without first being stopped and ensure that it does not exceed the rating quoted for the board.

Please Contact Us if you would like to discuss your requirement.

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