help with motor wiring - two red wires!

[mickthetree]

Hey all, maybe one for Bob, but I have been given a 12" delta disc sander. Really solid bit of kit. The catch is that it doesnt work ;-) The note on it says that the switch is knackered. I have the switch, but it isnt connected and the mains cable has been cut as well.

All I'm left with is two wires coming out of the motor housing into the switch box, but they are both red! One has a piece of masking tape on, presumably denoting live, or possibly neutral. 50/50 chance I guess :lol:

I'm presuming the only way to tell which is which is to connect some power??? I can pickup a new NVR switch for £10 from axminster.

It has an induction motor with starting capacitor on it.

So, am I ok just to connect some power? Or could this cause damage? Will opening up the housing help me identify which is which?

Anyone know which way these are supossed to spin? CW / ACW?

Your seasonal help would be much appreciated.

 

[CHJ]

If it's a standard induction motor then it will not care which way round the wires are connected.
The direction of rotation will be controlled by the capacitor wiring within the motor windings.

Just make sure the rating plate is for 230V A/C or there abouts.

Remember, the most important wire is the earth wire.

Check for continuity between plug earth pin and motor/frame casing with a multimeter or a battery and bulb if nothing else.

If in doubt fit the smallest fuse you have in the supply plug. 3 or 5amp say.

 

[mickthetree]

excellent Chas thanks for that. There certainly is an earth wire connection on the motor housing. My dad has a meter and I'll get him to test that tomorrow when I try to set it up.

There is no rating plate on the motor or indeed on any of the machine casting either, But I have all of the manuals and documentation that comes with it and it states: 750W, 230v -, 50Hz 1PH, 1430 RPM.

Its a very substantial bit of kit so I'm hoping it will work. Even if the motor has had it, it may be possible to replace it. Cant bare to see it go to the tip!