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I have a DC motor connected to a roller. The roller is rotated by a load. If I don't power supply the motor, it will free spin. Then I would like to turn on the motor only on certain times, to help the spinning. Could this be done or it damages the motor?

Thanks

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You can use the motor as you describe, without damaging the motor. The load spinning the motor will generate a voltage at the motor terminals (it will act as a generator) so make sure that whatever it is connected to will withstand this voltage - if there is a load on the motor it will act as a brake.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Ok I see, thanks. What do you mean with "if there is a load on the motor it will act as a brake"? \$\endgroup\$ – user53026 Nov 6 '15 at 10:15
  • \$\begingroup\$ It will be harder to turn the motor if it is supplying current. Motors act as generators when they are used like this, so if you put a load on the generator, the power the load uses must come from somewhere, hence it is harder to turn the motor when it has a load. Try spinning a DC motor without its terminals connected, then try again with its terminals shorted - the difference is quite surprising. \$\endgroup\$ – Icy Nov 6 '15 at 10:20
  • \$\begingroup\$ ok, I have to perform some tests... thank you Icy! \$\endgroup\$ – user53026 Nov 6 '15 at 12:55

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