QualifiedMedium risk

Reversing circuit runs the same direction both ways

Selecting forward or reverse both turn the motor the same way — the direction never actually changes, even though both contactors operate.

Start fault-finding

Safety first

Working on the reversing wiring means live-capable power terminals — isolate and prove dead. Confirm the driven equipment is safe to run in either direction during testing.

Isolate, lock out / tag out, and prove dead before working unless a live test is specifically required, authorised, and carried out under proper supervision. Always follow local regulations, your site procedures, and the equipment manufacturer's documentation.

Full detail — causes, the why, and common mistakes.

Likely causes

Ranked from most to least likely.

1
Reverse contactor not swapping two phases
Most likely
Reversing relies on the reverse contactor crossing two phases. If it's wired straight through, both directions are identical.
2
Wiring error on the reverse contactor outputs
#2
The phase crossover was landed wrong during installation or a repair.
3
Both directions driven by the same contactor
Least likely
A control fault energises the same (forward) contactor regardless of which button is pressed.

Reports are saved on this device to reflect what you actually find.

Testing sequence

Work through one test at a time. Expected reading and what each result means.

Test 1 of 2

Select reverse and confirm the reverse contactor (not the forward one) is the one energising.

Expected reading

The correct contactor energises for each direction.

Your actual reading

If it passes

Right contactor operates — check its phase-crossover wiring.

If it fails

Same contactor for both — fix the control so each button drives its own contactor.

Often leads toMotor goes one way but won't go the other (e.g. down but not up)Motor runs in the wrong direction

View all expected readings at once

1. Select reverse and confirm the reverse contactor (not the forward one) is the one energising.

The correct contactor energises for each direction.

2. Isolate and check the reverse contactor's output wiring crosses two phases relative to forward.

Two phases swapped on the reverse contactor's output.

Fault-finding flowchart

The same logic as a decision tree.

1
start
Same direction both ways
→ step 2
2
decision
Does the correct (reverse) contactor energise on reverse?
Yes→ step 3No→ step 4
3
decision
Does the reverse contactor cross two phases?
Yes→ step 5No→ step 6
4
result
Same contactor for both — fix the control so each button drives its own.
5
result
Re-verify which contactor runs for each command.
6
result
No phase crossover — correct the reverse wiring.

Common mistakes apprentices make

Assuming the motor can't reverse when the wiring simply doesn't cross phases.
Not checking which contactor actually energises for each direction.
Landing the phase crossover wrong after a repair.

When to stop & escalate

If the reversing scheme is part of a larger control system and the wiring doesn't match the drawings, confirm the intended design before rewiring.

If you're past your competence, authorisation, or the safe limits of the job — stop and hand it on. There's no fault worth getting hurt over.

Related faults

Forward / reverse circuits

Motor goes one way but won't go the other (e.g. down but not up)

A reversing drive works in one direction only. One command (say, down) runs fine; the other (up) does nothing, or just hums/trips. Common on hoists, doors, and conveyors.

5 causes4 test steps

QualifiedHigh risk

Motors & overloads

Motor runs in the wrong direction

The motor runs but the wrong way — pump runs backwards, fan blows the wrong way, conveyor reverses. Usually a phase-rotation issue after wiring or supply work.

4 causes3 test steps

ApprenticeMedium risk

Forward / reverse circuits