SOP-ELEC-007
REV 2.1
SHAFT GROUNDING & PROTECTION
THE INVISIBLE DESTROYER
SILENT BEARING KILLERMagnetic imbalances induce voltage on the rotating shaft. Without proper grounding, this voltage arcs through the bearing oil film, vaporizing Babbitt metal and creating thousands of microscopic craters (Pitting).
WHY IT'S SILENT
Unlike mechanical wear, electrical pitting produces no heat or noise until catastrophic failure occurs.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
A 10-year bearing can fail in 18 months if shaft grounding is non-functional.
GROUNDING BRUSH INSPECTION
BRUSH WEAR LIMITS
New Brush Length
40-50mm
Service Limit
15-20mm
REPLACE
IMMEDIATELY
< 10mm
SLIP SURFACE CLEANING
- Wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol
- Gently polish with fine Scotch-Brite (600-grit)
- Final wipe to bright metal finish
CONTAMINANTS: Silt, Oil Mist, Oxidation.
VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT PROTOCOL
SHAFT-TO-GROUND
TARGETS
EXCELLENT
< 0.2V
WARNING
0.5 - 1.0V
CRITICAL
> 1.0V
Measurement must be taken during unit operation. Use True RMS Multimeter on AC+DC scale.
BEARING PITTING SIGNATURE
- Surface appears "frosted" or "etched"
- High Copper/Lead content in Oil DGA
- Random crater distribution visible under magnification