GE GEH-5304A - Manual (Page 29)

GEH-5304A
29
Dirt can be removed from stationary parts of the machine by either compressed air or a vacuum nozzle or a
combination of both. Air should be directed between the stator coils, into the pocket corners of bearing
brackets, around the cables and onto the brush rigging. Special care should be taken to keep the commutator
clean. The commutator should be wiped with a clean lint-free cloth after blowing out.
Safety glasses and/or other protective equipment should be used to prevent
injury to eyes and respiratory organs.
High voltage electric shock can cause serious or fatal injury. Electrical circuits
must be de-energized prior to cleaning or other maintenance activities. Ground
electrical circuits prior to cleaning or maintenance to discharge capacitors.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury to personnel.
Liquid solvents should not be directly applied to the commutator, armature,
field coils or any electrical part of a DC machine. Liquid solvents carry con-
ducting contaminants (metal dust, carbon, etc.) deep into hidden areas to pro-
duce shorts and grounds, thus causing machine failure. Mechanical compo-
nents may be cleaned by a wiping rag barely moistened (not wet) with a solvent.
Solvents may be flammable and moderately toxic. The usual precautions for
handling chemicals of this type must be observed. These include:
1. Avoid excessive contact with skin.
2. Use in well ventilated areas.
3. Take necessary precautions to prevent fire or explosion hazards.
1. Oily Dirt
The presence of oil makes thorough, effective cleaning of machines in service virtually impossible and
service shop conditioning is recommended. Oil on a surface forms a “fly paper effect”, which attracts
and holds firmly any entrained dust. Neither suction nor compressed air is effective. Consequently,
only accessible areas may be cleaned. First, remove as much of the dirt as possible by scraping or
brushing the dirty surfaces. Then, wipe away as much dirt as possible with dry rags. For surfaces not
readily accessible, a rag on a hook wire can be used to clean dirt out of holes and crevices. Rags
should be changed frequently for clean ones so that contamination picked up from one area is not car-
ried to other less dirty areas.
While FREON TF

is considered to be nonflammable and has a relatively low
order of toxicity, it should be used only in well ventilated areas that are free
from open flames. Avoid prolonged exposure to vapors. Failure to observe
these precautions may result in injury to personnel.
FREON TF is the only recommended solvent for cleaning because it is nonflammable, has good sol-
vency for grease and oil, is considered safe with most varnishes and insulations and has a low order of
toxicity. Stoddard solvent has good solvency, but is flammable and moderately toxic. Before using
any solvent, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet. Steam cleaning is not recommended because, as
with liquid solvents, conducting contaminants may be carried deep into inaccessible areas resulting in
shorts and grounds.