How to Run a 24 Volt DC Motor on 12 Volts

To get the best performance from a direct current (DC) motor it is advised to use the same voltage power supply as the input voltage of the motor. However, if you have a 24 volt DC motor, but only have a 12 volt power supply, such as a car battery, your motor will still operate, although the speed at which it rotates will be slower.

Cut a strip of dual-core AWG 18 gauge wire using a knife. The length of the wire strip depends on the distance you need between the 12 volt power supply and the 24 volt DC motor.

Strip about 2 or 3 inches of protective plastic covering off both ends of the wire using wire strippers to expose the inner wires. Use the wire strippers to remove about ½ inch of colored plastic off both ends of the two internal colored wires. This reveals the inner metal core that connects to the 24 volt DC motor and the 12 volt power supply.

Locate the two terminals on the 24 volt DC motor. One is labeled “+” for positive and the other “-” for negative. Loosen the two screws on the terminals using a screwdriver.

Insert one end of the red wire under the “+” terminal screw. Insert the black wire under the “-“ terminal screw. Tighten the screws.

Attach the opposite end of the red wire from the 24 volt DC motor onto the positive terminal of the power source labeled “Pos” or “+.” Use a strip of insulating tape to hold it on the terminal, if the power source doesn’t have screw connectors, or if it does, loosen the screw and insert the wire under screw and tighten it.

Attach the opposite end of the black wire from the motor onto the negative terminal of the power source labeled “Neg” or “-“ using the same method. Your 24 volt DC motor starts operating using a 12 volt power source.