How To Replace Carbon Brushes on a Motor

Why You Should Be Inspecting & Replacing Carbon Brushes on Your Ruwac Red Line & Conductive Series Vacuum Motors. Replacing carbon brushes in an intermittent duty motor is essential for maintaining performance, efficiency, and longevity. Here’s why: Prevents Performance Decline: Worn-out brushes result in poor electrical contact, leading to reduced power output, erratic performance, and overheating. Ensures Consistent Motor Operation: Intermittent duty motors frequently stop and start, accelerating brush wear due to repeated engagement and disengagement with the commutator. Prevents Motor Failure: If carbon brushes wear down completely, the motor may stop working altogether. Replacing them as part of routine maintenance prevents unexpected downtime. Protects Internal Components: Worn brushes generate more carbon dust, which can contaminate the motor and cause additional wear on bearings and windings. When to Replace? Reduced motor power or inconsistent performance. Increased sparking or burning smell. When the brush is worn down to a length of .25” or less. Excessive noise from the motor. By replacing carbon brushes before they fail completely, you extend the life of the motor and avoid costly repairs.