When troubleshooting an issue, choosing the right carbon brush for any motor or generator involve many factors including the environment, motor loading, and grounding. Mixing brush grades, styles, or brushes from different manufacturers can cash a flashover.

In all cases, the carbon brushes are the fuse of the DC motor or generator circuit.  

Carbon brushes are designed to fail to save the motor. Which means carbon brushes must cover a certain amount of commutator (comm) bars to maintain full motor nameplate operation. 

In addition, the brush must move freely inside the brush box. The spring assembly must be set to the operating conditions to balance the mechanical and electrical wear. And seating brushes ensures the brush maintains good contact. Thus, extending brush and comm life. It also reduces costly downtime.

Helwig Carbon’s comprehensive guide for industrial and railway technology troubleshooting guide speeds up the process of identifying the issue.