commutator is an electrical switch that periodically reverses the current in an electric motor or electrical generator. A commutator is a common feature of direct current rotating machines.
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Commutator
The rotating part of an electric motor which contacts stationary carbon brushes to complete the electrical circuit.
Conductor ...
Wipe off the commutator. Spray the motor, commutator and brushes with TV tuner spray. If necessary, use a stronger cleaner on the commutator. Let it sit a few minutes.
You can now see the three segment copper commutator. Inspect it for dirt or pitting. Clean it with zero residue cleaner or track cleaner, or if it is worse a soft pencil eraser. NEVER use anything harsher or abrasive.
Occasionally (annually) you may need to clean the commutator and brushes (where the motor picks up electricity). I like to run the loco slowly without the body on and keep a rag with cleaner (Rail-Zip works well) over the commutator as it spins.
The fiber insulation was replaced with glass insulation, the wire was changed to double-coated formex, and the commutator terminals were pre-tinned (coated with solder) so that flux was not needed.
Place the prongs on the end of the two wires from the multimeter onto the commutator of the armature; this is metal ring around the axis of the armature where the brushes connect.
Older style open frame motors also tend to "cog" when they first try to move from stop as each segment of their commutator hangs up briefly as the motor's brushes pass over it providing a rather jerky and uneven start.
 See also: Standard, Locomotive, Point, Special, Frame
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