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This may sound silly to most, however, it answers a million questions for me, so please have mercy on the down voting, thanks.

A simple example without specifics, when a battery and a DC motor are connected via +/-, the motor spins.

Theoretically, in my mind atleast, an AC-DC adapter(again without specifics) with the wire cut at the output end will have a positive and negative wire. If these were to be correctly connected to the same DC motor as before, the motor should also spin. Is this correct or am I missing a screw?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Generally, it should, yes. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:44
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    \$\begingroup\$ Yes it will assuming it's the right voltages and can give enough current. I can't tell if you are missing a screw though! \$\endgroup\$
    – Trevor_G
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:45
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    \$\begingroup\$ Normally yes but... Depends on the capabilities of the AC adapter, battery and motor. Motors are particularly nasty loads, they may take several times their rated current for a moment while starting. That can shut down the over-current protection in some AC/DC adapters, but others may be OK. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:45
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    \$\begingroup\$ Not sure if you're missing a screw but there's a nut loose behind the keyboard here. \$\endgroup\$
    – John D
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:52

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Yes. Generally speaking, a DC motor spins when a DC voltage is applied to it. It may require that the polarity of the voltage be in one direction if the motor only spins in one direction, but it will spin. Batteries and AC/DC adapters both provide a DC voltage.

Now the specifics do matter. If you have a motor that wants to draw a lot of current, and a AC/DC adapter that cannot provide a lot of current, then you can run into issues.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks guys. I thought this maybe the case, but didn't have the balls to test from the wall. I understand that the specifics do matter, however, I am already aware of what is required in that area, but appreciate it anyway. Again thanks all. \$\endgroup\$
    – user4163554
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ I will accept your answer.....once this timer has ended! \$\endgroup\$
    – user4163554
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 20:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ @user4163554 In general low voltage power from a DC wall adapter should be safe, unless you have a very cheap and shoddy wall adapter (such as a lot of knockoff Apple USB chargers) \$\endgroup\$
    – Criticizing Israel not allowed
    Commented Feb 22, 2018 at 22:05

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