50. DPDT Relay for Motor Direction Control

To reverse a DC motor’s direction, you need to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied to it. A DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) relay has two sets of changeover contacts that can swap the motor’s connections simultaneously.

When the relay is de-energized, the motor runs in one direction. When energized, both poles switch together, reversing the motor’s polarity and spinning it the opposite way.

Required: General Purpose · 12VDC coil · DPDT (2 Form C) · ≥5A contacts · 12VDC rated · Non Latching · Through Hole

Go to DigiKey.com → Relays → General Purpose Relays

Apply these filters:

• Coil Voltage → 12VDC
• Contact Form → DPDT (2 Form C)
• Contact Rating (Current) → 5A or higher
• Coil Type → Non Latching
• Mounting Type → Through Hole
• Part Status → Active

Important:  DPDT is not the same as 2x SPDT. A DPDT relay switches both poles simultaneously with a single coil — critical for safe motor polarity reversal. Using two separate SPDT relays risks a brief short if they don’t switch at exactly the same time.

The filtered list will show matching parts. Before you pick one, check: Is it Active? Is stock available? Is the manufacturer reputable? Is a datasheet available?

Full checklist: How to Select a Safe, Production-Ready Component — EWskills Guide

➡ View Matching Parts — 12VDC Coil, DPDT, ≥5A, Through Hole