Brushes of the DC motor are one of the minor but essential components in a DC motor. By far the most important thing they do is keep electrons flowing through the motor. A DC motor is a specific form of a motor that uses direct current (DC), which refers to the flow of electricity in a single steady direction. This is in contrast to alternating current (AC) whereby the flow of electricity alternates its direction. As DC motors are used in several devices, we should know how brushes of a DC motor work.
If you want to know how do brushes in a DC motor work, then here it is. Rotor — this is the part of the motor that spins very fast Once the brushes make contact with the rotor, they complete a circuit connecting the motor’s power source to the rotor itself. This link is very important as electricity must flow to the rotor from the power supply. Once the electricity do through, it makes the rotor spin and that spin is what makes the motor work.
Think about if you have a toy car that requires AA batteries. The batteries connect electric power to the motor, and the motor consumes that power to rotate the wheels. The brushes are like the small workers that help ensure all that electricity gets where it needs to go to the motor.
There are a number of things to contemplate when it comes time to choose DC motor brushes for a motor. You need to think about the size of the brushes first. The size must correspond with the motor so that both of the components can collaborate effectively. Then consider the shape of the brushes. Thus, every brush works its design uniquely on different motors. Lastly, the material of the brushes also counts. The material can impact how well the brushes work, and their longevity.
DC motors will have brushes and those will wear out or become damaged over time. This is because they are constantly working hard to keep the motor running. The motor may stop functioning properly when brushes are worn. Below are a few common issues that you may observe with DC motor brushes:
Improved efficiency: The brushes in a DC motor are essential in reducing resistance (fighting against the flow of electricity) and allowing electricity to flow freely. This can enhance the overall performance of the motor. An efficient motor means it consumes less and takes time to last longer.
Although there are numerous advantages, there are also several things to consider when utilizing DC motor brushes. For instance, brushes create heat as they touch the rotor. That heat can impact the performance of the motor. And since these brushes are used as often as they are, they might be due for replacement every while due to wear and tear. Routine checks can alert you to potential problems.