Plain bearing failure index

8.0 Electrical damage

Electrical Damage Index


8.1 Electrical Erosion Damage in Journal Bearing (1)

Click on photograph to enlarge
	Electrical arcing damage in loaded area of journal bearing
	Electrical arcing damage to the journal corresponding to Photograph 'a'
Main Characteristics	This damage occurred in an electric motor after a short run on test following a mechanical overhaul. Damage is confined to the loaded area on the bottom half bearing, but is continuous on the journal. Note the shiny melt pits on the surface of the bearing
Cause	Electrical fault with leakage to earth through bearing oil film
Note	Possible Confusion with Other Types of Damage Dirt erosion (see Section 2: Erosion of White Metal Journal Bearing) and cavitation erosion give a superficially similar matt finish on the bearing surface, but both of these have an arrow shape pointing against the direction of motion. Moreover, there is no corresponding damage on the journal
Possible Confusion with Other Types of Damage
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