Normal to see sparks?

[RugPileDial]

When looking in the side vent on the motor housing of a Kirby Omega is it normal to see some sparks while it’s running? Or, does the motor need service? It sounds, smells and works fine. ( my Classic has fewer visible sparks and my red C III has none)

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Bad Field, Armature or Carbon Brushes

Jeff,

Your Omega might need to have its field, armature and/or carbon brushes inspected.

~Ben

 

[texaskirbyguy]

It all depends how much it is sparking. Some small sparks at the brushes is normal. A picture will be helpful if possible. In high speed mode sparking will be a little more than low speed.
Can you do a current draw test like with one of those kill-a-watt meters? If the motor is drawing more than rated current, sparking will be more intense.

If carbon brushes are new and breaking in, sparking can be greater until they seat all the way. Break them in on low speed for a half hour of running.

 

[madman]

Any universal motor will spark at the brushes. The key is how much. There should be only a thin line of arc where the brush meets the commutator. If sparks are flying off of it, then something's wrong.

 

[RugPileDial]

Thanks Ben, Texas and MadMan,

I will buy a Kill A Watt meter and take some photos. It might be weeks before I get to it, but I’ll do it and post results. Thanks!