SparkFun Forums

[smcpeak]

Hello, I have recently purchased the Sparkfun 12V Vacuum pump ROB-10398. The pump works great and I am probably going to purchase several more units... however I have noticed that regardless of the applied voltage polarity the vacuum and output port are always the same. I looked at the spec sheet but didn't see any mention of polarity. I also don't see any polarity markings on the motor itself. It seems as though the polarity of the applied 12V doesn't really matter as far pump performance. But this is somewhat confusing so I just wanted to ask about this observation.
Thank you.

[darrellg]

It's a diaphragm pump. It works with either polarity. See the following links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_pump
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljb7R09f-8k

[smcpeak]

OK that makes sense. Thank you.