I ran my 5 volt DC motor under the water, with the terminals exposed. nothing happened. what are some long term negative effects of this?
If you use deionized water there should be no problem. With water containing minerals or salts you will get some electrolysis and corrosion on the exposed electrical parts.
In addition to that: if the power terminals are exposed, to water might act as a 10k to 20k ohm resistor in parallel with the motor, stealing power from the motor!
In addition to that: if the power terminals are exposed, to water might act as a 10k to 20k ohm resistor in parallel with the motor, stealing power from the motor!
Pure, deionised water is a pretty good insulator.
Hi,
I didn't beleive this until I tried it, but running entry level RC motors underwater is a common tuning technique.
It only improves low cost motors and would damage higher quality motors, its good for around 15% extra power.
It works by helping the hard carbon brushes in entry level motors to conform to the contact patch on the armature, more contact = more current and more torque. The water acts as an abrasive as the motor spins.
In racing motors the carbon brushes are much softer and may even include silver to increase thier ability to conduct, these should not be used in water.
If your interested look up 'water dipping stock motor' for more.
Duane B.
Pure, deionised water is a pretty good insulator.
I know. It also prevents iron from rusting. But, pure H2O isn't easily obtained; I was talking about regular water, such as drinking water, tap water, etc.
P.S. There is a thunder storm RIGHT NOW happening where I live. There was a strike of lightning, and at the same time, an extremely loud boom of thunder. Must be very close to my location!
dkl65:
Pure, deionised water is a pretty good insulator.
I know. It also prevents iron from rusting. But, pure H2O isn't easily obtained;
My local grocery store sells deionized water right next to the "regular" stuff.
That's distilled water, which is not the same thing as deionized water.
Hi,
Back to the original question - the reason that RC Racers do it is because it puts months worth of wear into the carbon brushes in minutes, it also has a similar effect on the brass bushings that hold the motor shaft in place.
So to cut a long story short your motor will wear out very quickly.
Duane B
some grocery stores do sell deionized water. wikipedia said it's very easy to make deionized water (to a certain degree of purity)