Here’s the latest in our series of occasional blogs clearing
up some of the terminology used in our industry. Today we’re asking: what are
electric motor brushes? Read on as we reveal all…
In electric motors, power must be transferred from the
stator (stationary part) to the rotor (rotating part, or shaft) in order to
complete an electrical circuit. However, if wires were attached to a spinning
rotor, then they would quickly get knotted up! Therefore, in order for the
shaft in an electric motor to turn, devices called brushes are used.
Brushes are connected to the stator and consist of a spring
attached to a piece of conducting material. A commutator (switch) is affixed to
the shaft, with the springs pushing the brushes onto it. As the rotor turns, it
is in constant contact with the brushes, which completes the circuit. Brushes
are so called because they brush against the commutator while the rotor turns.
Originally, strands of copper wire were used for brushes due
to the metal’s high conductivity. However, brushes are now often made out of
carbon as it’s known to be a good conductor and wears more evenly than copper.
Carbon is also softer then copper, which has a tendency to scratch the commutator
and damage it.
As brushes are subjected to a great deal of abrasion, they
eventually wear out and must be replaced, preferably by a competent engineer.
Gibbons have offered an electric
motor rewinds and repair service for 45 years and provide free collection
and delivery within a 50-mile radius of our workshop in Tollesbury, Essex. Our
rates are competitive and we offer an emergency same-day or next-day service
wherever possible.
So if you have an electric motor repair
or rewind enquiry, give us a call on 01621 868138 or email info@gibbonsgroup.co.uk and we’ll be
happy to help.
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