Marine Electrical Systems USCG Question #665 (Set 23)

What can cause uneven wear of the commutator surface on a direct current generator?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option D — incorrect brush staggering

Incorrect brush staggering prevents uniform coverage of the commutator track, causing uneven current distribution and localized grooving or ridge formation. Brushes must be arranged so positive and negative tracks overlap evenly across the commutator surface to ensure balanced wear.

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