Is My KTI Hydraulic Pump 12V or 24V? How to Tell by Battery Wiring
One 12V battery wired to your pump = 12V system. Two 12V batteries wired in series (positive of one to negative of the other) = 24V. Two 12V batteries wired in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) = still 12V. When in doubt, read the voltage stamped on the motor itself.
Method 1 β Count the Batteries and Check the Jumper Wire
One Battery β 12V System
A single 12V battery connected directly to the pump is always a 12V system.
Two Batteries in Series β 24V System
A jumper wire connects the negative terminal of Battery 1 to the positive terminal of Battery 2. The main positive cable comes from Battery 1 positive; the main negative comes from Battery 2 negative. This doubles the voltage to 24V. The jumper between opposite terminals (β to +) is the giveaway.
Two Batteries in Parallel β Still 12V
Parallel wiring connects positive to positive and negative to negative. Both red jumpers go to + terminals; both black jumpers go to β terminals. Voltage stays at 12V but amp-hour capacity doubles β the pump just runs longer per charge.
Series: Jumper connects DIFFERENT terminals (β to +). Voltage doubles to 24V.
Parallel: Jumper connects SAME terminals (+ to + and β to β). Voltage stays at 12V.
Method 2 β Read the Motor Nameplate
Every KTI DC motor has a stamped or printed specification label on the cylindrical motor body. It will state the rated voltage directly. Common KTI motor designations:
| Motor Part Number | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1245-15, 1245-18 | 12V DC | Most common on dump trailers |
| 24V variants | 24V DC | Less common on trailers; typical on commercial/industrial units |
Method 3 β Check the Model Number Tag
The silver model/serial tag on the pump body includes the voltage specification. Any tag reading 12 VDC confirms a 12V motor. A 24 VDC designation confirms 24V.
Running a 12V motor on 24V will burn it out immediately. Running a 24V motor on 12V results in very weak performance and premature wear. Never assume β verify before connecting power to any replacement or used pump.
