electric motor shoots sparks?

Question

I removed an electric motor from a vacuum cleaner and noticed that when I ran it by it's self, it began spewing sparks increasingly as it sped up. Assuming that this wasn't happening when it was in the vacuum, what could have changed to cause this?
(I didn't tamper with any of the motor's components while removing it)

Answer 1

Electric motors have an armature that is in contact with what are called brushes,this is the likely area to cause sparks.Its not safe, it could easily start a fire.Replace or have the motor rebuilt.It may be cheaper to replace thevacuume unless its an expensive one,if so check thewarranty.

t

Answer 2

Electric Motor Brushes Sparking

Answer 3

Hello



Many Vacuum cleaner motors are universal motors which have brushes and a commutator. This is where the sparks are coming from the brushes where they meet the commutator. Excessive sparking usually means the brushes require replacing.. You would not see them when assembled in the vacuum cleaner. Also it may be series wound which means it should never be run without a load connected to it. If it is a series wound motor, it can self destruct when run without a load - the windings will eventually fly apart due to centrifugal force.



An universal motor can be operated on AC and DC.



Be Careful.

Answer 4

When it was in the vacuum it had a load on it from the impeller and maybe a belt to drive a brush. With no load it is running faster than it was designed for and it is either wearing out the brushes or throwing the coils off of the armature due to centrifugal force.

Answer 5

At 7.2 Hp it must be a 3 phase motor. Are the sparks coming from the terminal box or from within the motor (if it is screen protected not TEFC). If the sparks come from within the motor, then it'd probably beyond repair ans will need a rewind or replacement. if they come from the terminal box, check for loose connections, abraded insulation loose connections etc.

Answer 6

Perhaps it was grounded while installed, and not grounded when you removed it. BTW, i'm not sure what you mean when you say "as it sped up". Vacuum cleaners are either on or off. Does yours have gears or a transmission lol.

Answer 7

If it is not actually throwing sparks you may just be seeing the brushes in the armature.

Answer 8

just plug in your electric drill in a dark room ..and you will see that spark ..its normal ,,ive been a builder for over 40 years and have owned hundreds of different tools never seen one that does not spark ...you just dont notice it normally!