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Begin by removing the DC motor from its mount, ensuring that you have also removed any source of electric power that could accidentally cause it to begin turning. You may need to follow the manufacturer's instructions to do this, as some motors are very much wedged into position and could pose a risk of electrocution.
Next, you can test the electric motor's continuity (or connection) by attaching it to a volt ohmmeter. Place the red and black leads in the connections of the meter (the black lead should be connected to the "common point" and the red lead to the "ohms"), and then ensure that the meter has been set to "ohms". Test that the meter is working properly by touching these two leads together - the screen should read zero ohms (or full continuity).
To test your DC motor, touch the leads of the ohmmeter to the leads of the motor. The screen of the meter should show a low resistance between 10 and 30 Ohms. If it shows an infinite ohms reading or an open circuit, you should rotate the motor's end shaft. The ohmmeter will give different readings when this shaft is turned. This indicates that the motor is fine, but there is a problem in the electrical circuit. If the meter is still reading as an open circuit, the conducting brushes may have gone "bad".
Use a screwdriver to remove the brushes from the end of the electric motor (you can find them under the plastic end caps at the opposite end of the motor to the drive shaft). Carefully inspect the brushes for any sign of cracks or breaks in the surface - the area of the brush that sits against the conductor or commutator should be smooth and curved. The motor will not work if there are broken wires or springs. If the brushes are fine, the problem could be the commutator.
Take the screwdriver again and use it to remove the rear end cap of the DC electric motor (by removing the two screws that run the motor's length). Inspect the plates that comprise the commutator assembly - there should be an opening between each. If you notice any broken wires or burnt varnish, the commutator has failed and its damaged parts will need to be replaced.
Overloading plug-ins causes fire hazards in your house. Too many things are plugged in simultaneously. The cords can burn and the plug itself can emit smoke and fire. You should check the fuse box if you have too many items connected to one fuse. This can cause the fuse to shut down power to certain parts of your home. If you have the fuse box checked, make sure the wires are not twisted and will not cause a fire. Sparks can be shocking. Unplug the device if it is emitting sparks. This will prevent you from getting hurt and it will also prevent a fire.
If it gets too warm, it can melt the plug-in and leave black marks. If this happens, it is not good to use it until the wires are checked out first to see if it works right and if it is OK to use or to see if the wires need to be changed because they can be burned or they could be fried. It can also fry the sockets in the computer, TV's, and the other electronics that have overloaded it. Overloading plug-ins can cause it to overheat. Unplug the plug before it gets too hot. Don't plug-in too many lights at once because that will overload it and blow the circuit breaker.
The same thing applies for extension cords. Never put an overloaded extension cord on an old carpet or rug as this can also start some fires. Pull the plug out of the wall if you smell smoke. It is likely overheating. If an appliance should short out while plugged-in, it can travel up the wires into the socket and into the wall. This will cause burn marks on the socket and the wall. You will need to have the wires in your walls checked and repaired if this happens. They can cause a fire at anytime if they are not replaced.
The fire damage that could be caused from it will have to be removed and cleaned. It is dangerous to remove the wires yourself. All the power has to be turned off before working on the wires. The professionals have to make sure when they turn on the power that it works right because if it is not hooked up right, sparks will shoot out, shock you, or start a fire. If it starts a flame, it can spread throughout the house through the wires and fry everything.
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