Preventive Maintenance of Electric Motors and Generators

Technical Manual. — Washington: War Department, 1945. — 31 p.Purpose and Scope:
It is the purpose of this manual to provide fundamental information necessary for effective maintenance of electric motors and generators by using organizations. The treatment is general and intended to apply, more or less, to all types and sizes of these machines. Operation and care of controllers and control accessories have not been considered in this manual, but are the subject of a companion volume, TM 55-410 (when published). Pertinent theory is covered in detail in TM 1-455. For instructions pertaining specifically to automotive applications, reference should be made to TM 9-1825A and TM 9-1825B.
Basic Principle:
All types of motors and corresponding generators have many elements in common, for which, item for item, maintenance activities are fairly uniform. Insulated windings, brushes, collector rings, commutators, and bearings can be considered independently of the specific types of machines in which they are used. The same is true of external inspection and of general precautions in disassembly and assembly. The importance of periodic, systematic inspection and maintenance of motors and generators cannot be minimized, not only because of the possibility of break-down of these machines, but also because of the danger of impairing the general operation of the major end items. Lack of preventive maintenance of motors and generators will interfere seriously writh radio reception on marine craft and rolling stock.