Can a electric motor be run backwards?

Liemavick

Member
Mentor
NooB question, is it possible to operate a e-motor in reverse on a plane? Does it cause any damage if its going clock wise instead of counter clockwise? Basis of the question is if you had a pusher prop by reversing the motor would it be a puller?

Thanks,

Brian
 

Carbon

Elemental Madness
Yes, you will see people doing this all the time for flying wings. All you have to do is swap two of the wires running out of your esc to your motor.
 

pgerts

Old age member
Mentor
Pusher prop - puller prop
Clockvise or counterclockvise
There are different reasons to use the both.

If you are looking at full scale propeller airplanes you will find that the rotation differs between planes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLStpDLc-HI
Often you will see the propellers rotate at different directions on the right and left engine on a twin enginge plane.

Brushless motors are running equally well in both directions.
Brushed motors are normally best running the "right" direction as the brushes sometimes are aftened on "arms".
For fuel engines you can sometimes (some brands) buy a crankshaft for "pusher" or twin engine installation.
 

Ak Flyer

Fly the wings off
Mentor
You may have issues with your prop collet coming loose so be sure to check them constantly.
 

havoktheorem

Junior Member
One other thing to note is make sure that your prop is on the right way after you change motor direction. Side with the writing on it should always be pointed towards the direction you want to be moving in. The scooped/concave side should be pointed backwards and 'cutting' the air.
 

Liemavick

Member
Mentor
If I'm reading right if I reverse the motor and flip the prop it will then be a pusher on a rear facing motor? No need to buy a pusher prop?

Thanks,
Brian