Lead levels in electric motors? 1

[GCAU]

Haha try not to laugh serious question here.

Does anyone know if the carbon dust given off by the brush wear in small electric motors (eg a slot car motor or PC fan) contains enough lead to be harmful to your health?

Or am I totally ignorant of small electric motors?

Once again no laughing

Thanks.

 

[waross]

I don't know but I would guess that writing with a conventional lead/graphite pencil may be more hazardous. Sharpening or over sharpening the pencil would be even more hazardous.
respectfully

 

[ssn596]

To my knowledge brushes contain no lead. I believe they are mostly carbon. Maybe that is why they are called carbon brushes??

OK to get serious call a brush manufacturer or buy some brushes from Grainger and request a MSDS.

Dan Bentler

 

[Skogsgurra]

Lead (as in pencils) is a misnomer. There is no lead in that lead. Just graphite (C) and some clay and glue. So that is not a hasard.

Carbon brushes, on the other hand, contain lots of other stuff than carbon. Some copper, and quite a few other ingredients like lead (Pb). But I doubt that there is any lead (Pb) in brushes for small power-tools or slot cars. And since there are no brushes in a modern fan for a PC, there is also no lead.

Lead is a standard ingredient in many electric brushes. It has a lubricating effect and since it is less noble than copper, it reduces corrosion of the collector in humid environments. Example: starter motors for cars and trucks.



Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[Morganite]

I work in the carbon brush industry, so I can definitely say that there is no lead in the type of motors you are concerned about.

 

[Skogsgurra]

Hello Morganite!

Did I meet you in Swansea?

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[Morganite]

Hello Gunnar,

I do work in Swansea, but I can't recall meeting you. All the same, i'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Gunnar.

ATB
Shaun

 

[stardelta]

Shaun? next time I ring through an order can I ask for you. DH is your rep` up here.......small world.

 

[Morganite]

Hi stardelta,

Sorry mate, asking for me will get you nowhere as I work in the 'twighlight zone' known as the test lab!

ATB
Shaun