Fundamentals of flashing of diesel-electric motors and generators

FLASHING is one of the important considerations in the manufacture and operation of electrical equipment for diesel-electric locomotives. Its importance has increased with the placing in service of a large number of high-speed and high-powered road locomotives during the past six or seven years. Examination of a large number of motors and generators of different manufacture on high-speed road locomotives has indicated that the machine which shows no evidence of flashing is an exception. Flashing may occur without any appreciable damage to a motor or generator or any interruption of service. Flashing, on the other hand, may be so serious that the locomotive cannot continue in service or that a motor or generator has to be removed for repair.