Small electric motor that can be plugged into a car power adapter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a small electric motor that can be powered by a car power adapter, specifically for the purpose of spinning a shaft to operate a brush. The focus includes considerations of power requirements and motor specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a small electric motor compatible with a car power adapter, emphasizing the need for sufficient power to spin a brush.
  • Another participant suggests conducting a Google Images search for "DC 12V Motor" to find suitable options, providing a link to the search results.
  • Several participants recommend checking electronics or industrial surplus stores, both locally and online, listing specific websites as resources.
  • A participant inquires about restrictions on the power handling capabilities of electric motors, indicating a need for clarification on motor specifications.
  • Another participant explains that every electric motor has maximum ratings for volts, amps, rpm, and power output, noting that larger motors generally consume more power and provide more torque, while also discussing the concept of gear motors.
  • One participant mentions a method to determine available power by multiplying the car voltage by the power outlet fuse rating to find the wattage.
  • A participant expresses gratitude and indicates they may have further questions as they progress.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on specific motor recommendations or power handling capabilities, and multiple viewpoints regarding motor specifications and sources remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors affecting motor performance, such as load on the shaft and the implications of gear motors, without resolving the complexities of these considerations.

wyllisx1
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I am trying to find a small electric motor that be powered by plugging it into a car power adapter. I am trying to power a spinning shaft off of it that will need a fair amount of power. Meaning enough to spin a brush.
 
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wyllisx1 said:
I am trying to find a small electric motor that be powered by plugging it into a car power adapter. I am trying to power a spinning shaft off of it that will need a fair amount of power. Meaning enough to spin a brush.

Welcome to the PF.

I did a Google Images search of DC 12V Motor, and got lots of hits. See if any of these are about the right size:

http://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...818&q=12v+dc+motor&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=

.
 
Electronics/industrial surplus stores are my first choice for such things. Chances are you can find a place locally, but there are plenty online.
Here are some I use:
http://www.allelectronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
http://www.jameco.com/
 
Thank you. Are there any restrictions on how much power they can handle? Soory about the very simple questions...
 
I'm not sure what you mean by, "power they can handle". Every electric motor has maximum/design ratings for volts, amps, rpm, and power output (torque at the motor shaft). Find some motors from online sellers and look at the information. You'll get an idea of what is available.

Generally speaking, the larger the motor, the more power (volts and/or amps) it consumes and the more torque it can provide. There are exceptions, of course. Shaft speed (rpm) can be just about anything from a few hundred rpm to well over 10000 rpm. However, the shaft speed may be rated as "free", meaning that speed is measured with no load on the shaft. Attaching something to the shaft may dramatically lower the operating rpm.

There are also "gear motors" with built-in reduction gears*. They trade shaft speed for torque. A perfect example is a power window motor in your car door. The window doesn't need to move up and down very quickly, but it can be heavy, and there is limited space inside the door for a large motor.

* Gear-motors can also be built to increase shaft speed, but that is rare.
 
to determine how much power is available multiply the car voltage (almost certainly 12) by the power outlet fuse rating, the answer is in watts.
 
Thanks everyone.
I'm sure as I go along I'll be asking more questions.
 

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