Gunsmith needs to wire a DPDT switch!

[littlefraggle]

Hello from Kent, I have forgotten the tiny amount I learned about electrics and I need to wire a DPDT switch to control a 230V 50Hz synchronous motor and just haven't a clue and don't fancy killing myself. Very much DIY electrics but I'd appreciate any help (I have project box, gland, soldering iron, terminal strips, a switch some flex and a plug 13A).

Happy to swap advice if anyone has a wonky hun they need sorting out!

Cheers

 

[HandySparks]

What do you want this switch to do?

 

[Marvo]

Why are you using a double pole, double throw switch?

 

[littlefraggle]

I need the switch to control a motor that slowly draws a piece of work out of a tube of varnish and then slowly lowers it back into the varnish. The process takes 3 hours or so and I don't want to stand there for six hours winding it by hand ideally.

 

[HandySparks]

So the switch is intended to reverse the motor?

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Best let an experienced spark do this for you. But hey, don't shoot the messenger.....!

 

[littlefraggle]

Yes it's to reverse the motor. There are 6 terminals, if there were 26 - I'd be calling a sparks but it just can't be that hard...

 

[Marvo]

Can you take a picture of the motor terminal box and attach it in the thread? How this would wire would very much depend on the arrangement in the motor terminal box, if there's a diagram inside the box lid please include that as well and the make and model number of the motor.

Would it be better to use a timer to run the motor one direction then automatically change direction? Does the motor run constantly throughout the dipping process and does it have limit switches built in?

 

[littlefraggle]

The motor just has two wires coming out of it. It can run either way. I just need to connect it to the switch please. A timer won't work as once the item is wound to the top, ho do I then lower it. This is a tiny 2" wide synchronous motor not some huge 3 phase thing.

 

[Marvo]

Ahh, I was picturing something more industrial but it sounds like one of those very small motors they use in a microwave to drive the glass turntable plate around.

Is there a capacitor somewhere on or external to the motor? Are you sure it's only got 2 wires, if so how does it reverse? Is it anything like this one? It would still help if I could get a make and model number.

 

[littlefraggle]

It's a bit like that yes, it's a rod drying motor off the bay. Only says 230v and 50Hz on it, two thin blue wires. I planned to use the switch to reverse the motor polarity as others do. I was planning to wire the motor into a connection block and then into the switch in one of those plastic boxes we used at school!

 

[Marvo]

As far as I know if the motor only has two wires coming out of it then it can't be reversible.

I'm not an expert on these little motors but I don't see how you're going to make it reversible without at least 3 wires or maybe 4 wires plus you'll need a capacitor. With an AC motor just reversing the supply wires won't change the running direction.

 

[littlefraggle]

OK thanks for the advice. I'll give it a go and post how I get on.

 

[littlefraggle]

Am I missing a trick here?

 

[littlefraggle]

Motor has two wires, power supply has two wires. Motor rated 230v 50 Hz input supply is 230v. Wire as per diagram or am I about to fry myself?