Diagnostics

Electric motor commutator sparks: reasons

Electric motor commutator sparks: reasons

Sparking on the commutator is a typical problem with DC motors and commutator machines. A small spark is acceptable, but strongsparking of the commutator destroys both the brushes and the commutator itself. Let's look at the reasons and solutions.

Why the commutator sparks

  • Wear of the brushes.Short or loose brushes lose contact.
  • Contamination of the commutator with coal dust, oiling.
  • Wear and runout of the commutator - uneven surface.
  • Inter-lamella short circuitor protruding insulation between the lamellas.
  • Weakening of the springsbrush holders - insufficient pressure.
  • Breakage or short circuit in the armature winding.

What is dangerous about sparking

Strong sparking causes scorching of the lamellas, accelerated wear brushes and ultimately a “all-round fire” - an accident with the entire collector shutting down. Therefore, the problem must be eliminated at the first signs.

How to eliminate

CauseSolution
Brush wearReplacement, grinding in the commutator
ContaminationCleaning collector
Beating, wearing outGrooving and grinding of the collector
Protruding insulationTracking the inter-lamella spaces
Breakage of the armatureRewinding of the armature

If the surface the collector is exhausted, grooving and re-growing helps. If the armature winding is damaged, it needs to be rewinding. A complete assessment of the condition is provided by diagnostics of the brush-collector assembly.

Does the engine manifold spark a lot? Elektromotors engineers in Tashkent will restore the commutator and brush assembly with a guarantee - contact us.

Need specialist help?

Contact Elektromotors engineers — we will help diagnose and repair your electric motor.

+998 94 680 15 04 Contact us