TIP FOR ELECTRICIANS

Dragon, 1 December 1942, Page 13

TIP FOR ELECTRICIANS

A considerable proportion of the trouble experienced when working in the field with Tanks is caused by faults developing in the electrical system. In the majority of cases these faults will be found to be minor ones easily remedied, and frequently they will have been the direct result of careless or incomplete maintenance. The following hints on maintenance of the electrical system and points requiring particular attention have been supplied by Tpr. T. R. Smith,

As the main source of power supply on a Tank, the accumulators, or batteries, need constant attention and careful maintenance. It is essential that all terminals should be clean and tight, but care should be taken that threads are not stripped by tightening the terminals too much. They must be kept in good order for maximum efficiency, since quite a few faults can be traced to loose or dirty terminals.

The two-volt heater cell should be changed about frequently, since the drain on this cell is heavy. In cold weather, particularly, careful maintenance is necessary if this, the weakest link in the electrical system, is not to fail. On no account should the heater button be depressed for any. longer period than that laid down in instructions, owing to the enormous strain imposed on the cell. Most faults in the system can be traced to loose and dirty connections, and vibration is one of the principal causes of looseness. No provision having been made for the absorbtion of motor vibration, the electrical system naturally suffers. In nine cases out of ten a fuse fault, one of the most common break-downs, can be attributed directly to vibration. Fractured wires in the suppression unit, blown light bulbs, and other minor faults can all be caused by vibration and shock experienced in working the Tank.

Care should be taken when using the Kerrick Cleaner on the motor, otherwise the main steam jet may enter and damage electrical fittings. Trouble has been experienced as a result of liquid entering units—principally generators corrosion, breaking through insulation, and leading to shortcircuiting to earth. The Master Switch contacts have been known to cause wireless break-downs owing to corrosion on the terminals causing high resistance and loss of efficiency. This resistance affects all working electrical parts, but more especially the No. 19 Set. First-class materials have been used throughout the Valentine's electrical system, and if care it taken in its maintenance, reasonably trouble-free service should result. Into th'electric sausage machine B. Brown's first finger fell. "The Shape's the Same" the Quarter said, "No one could ever tell." Extract from Routine Orders. 10/9/42. Latrinesuse of Water. The amount of water flowing down the latrine faces and regulated by the P.W.D. or Camp Sanitary Staff will NOT be interfered with.