How to Wire an Electrical Motor

You should only wire mains-powered electric motors if you have qualified electrical knowledge. Battery-powered electric motors are used in power tools, toothbrushes, cameras and an array of items that you use in everyday life and are built into the product so wiring isn't an issue. However, if you're a remote control enthusiast, you also know that many of the models increasingly use electric motors powered by battery packs and these often require wiring. There's no need to take your model to a hobby store to get your electric motor wired, just do it yourself.

Check the input voltage of your electric motor. It's printed on the label on the motor. Ensure your battery pack produces the same or similar voltage. If the battery pack produces fewer volts than your motor, it won't operate correctly, but if the voltage is too high, you can damage your motor.

Measure the distance from where your electric motor is positioned to where the battery pack is placed using a ruler. Cut two equal strips of AWG 16 gauge wire the length you previously measured, using a knife.

Cut one of the strips into two using a knife. You need to wire a remote controlled switch or rheostat between the positive battery terminal and the positive terminal on the motor so you can turn it on and off and increase and decrease speed remotely. Cut the strip at the position you want to put your switch or rheostat.

Remove 1/4 inch of plastic off the ends of all the strips of wire with the wire stripper. This exposes the copper wire that connects to the terminals.

Attach the end of one of the strips you cut into two to the positive terminal labeled "+"of the battery pack. If the pack has connectors, then fasten the wire using the connector; it's usually a small screw fixing or a small clamp. If the battery pack doesn't have connectors, then cut a short strip of electrical insulating tape, place the wire on the terminal then hold it in place using the tape.

Attach the end of the long strip to the negative terminal labeled "-"of the battery pack. Use the connectors, if the battery pack has them, or use insulating tape.

Remove the cover from the switch or rheostat using a suitable screwdriver. Loosen the terminal screw labeled "in"; the terminology may be slightly different. Insert the opposite end of the wire attached to the positive terminal under the screw on the switch, then tighten using a screwdriver. Loosen the other screw labeled "out." or similar. Insert the end of the remaining wire you cut into two under the screw and tighten. Replace the cover and tighten the screw. Ensure the switch or rheostat is in the "off" position.

Attach the opposite end of the wire extending from the switch or rheostat to the positive terminal of the electric motor, labeled "+." Unscrew the small screw on the motor using a screwdriver and insert the wire under the screw and tighten the screw. If it has a small plastic clip, then press the clip using your fingers so it opens slightly and insert the wire. Release the pressure and the wire is held firmly in place.

Attach the opposite end of the wire attached to the negative terminal of the battery pack to the negative terminal of the electric motor labeled "-" using the same method as that for the positive wire. Turn on the switch or rheostat and check that your electric motor operates.