Paints and Varnishes

as generators, switchboards, motors, and controllers,

NEVER clean with VOLATILE substances, such

as gasoline, benzene, alcohol, or ether. Besides being

should be covered to prevent the entrance of the paint

fire hazards, they readily give off vapors that can

dust. After the paint is removed, the electrical

injure the human respirator system if they are inhaled

equipment should be thoroughly cleaned, preferably

directly for a long time.

with a vacuum cleaner. Sanding and grinding should

not be the method of removal due to the potential of

When using cleaning solvents in a nonventilated

compartment, always supply air into the compartment,

generating high levels of lead dust.

using a blower with a canvas wind chute (elephant

Electrical equipment should be repainted only

trunk). Open all usable portholes, and place wind

when necessary to ward off corrosion. Painting should

scoops in them. Keep a fire extinguisher

be confined only to the affected areas. General

by, and NEVER WORK ALONE in a poorly

repainting of electrical equipment or enclosures for

ventilated compartment.

electrical equipment for the sole purpose of improving

You should avoid coming in contact with cleaning

their appearance is not desirable. Insulating surfaces

s o l v e n t s . Always wear gloves and chemical

in electrical equipment should never be painted.

splashproof goggles, especially when you spray

NEVER PAINT OVER IDENTIFICATION

equipment. When spraying, hold the nozzle close to

PLATES.

the equipment. DO NOT spray cleaning solvents on

electrical windings or insulation.

Apply electrical insulating varnish to equipment

only as necessary. Frequent applications of insulating

Do not breathe directly over the vapor of any

varnish build up a heavy coating that may interfere

cleaning solvent for prolonged periods. Do not apply

with heat dissipation and develop surface cracks. Do

solvents to warm or hot equipment; this increases the

not apply insulating varnish to dirty or moist

toxicity hazard.

insulation; the varnish will seal in the dirt and moisture

Following is a list of other safety precautions that

and make future cleaning impossible.

you should observe when using and handling

chemicals/solvents:

Shellac and lacquer are forms of varnish, but

MUST NOT be used for insulating purposes. The two

--Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

types of insulating varnishes commonly used in the

for any chemical before using or handling it.

Navy are clear baking varnish (grade CB) and clear

--Do not work alone in a poorly ventilated space.

air-drying varnish (grade CA). Grade CB is the

preferred grade; however, if it is not possible to bake

--Never use a halocarbon-based solvent, such as

freon, in the presence of any open flame.

the part to be insulated, grade CA may be used.

--Place a fire extinguisher close by, ready for use.

STEEL WOOL AND EMERY

--Dispose of solvent-soaked rags in a container

CLOTH/PAPER

designed for flammable disposal.

--Do not allow eating, drinking, smoking, open

Steel wool and emery cloth/paper are harmful to

flames, or lights in the area where solvents are being

the normal operation of electrical and electronic

used. Any chemicals or solvents should be handled

e q u i p m e n t . The NSTM and other technical

with caution.

publications warn you against the use of steel wool

and emery cloth/paper on or near equipment. When

PAINTS AND VARNISHES

these items are used, they shed metal particles. These

particles are scattered by ventilation currents and

You must take special precautions when removing

attracted by the magnetic devices in electrical

paint or repainting electrical equipment. In general,

equipment. This could cause short circuits, grounds,

paint should not be removed from electrical

and excessive equipment wear. Therefore, emery

equipment. Scraping or chipping tools may harm the

cloth/paper and steel wool should NEVER be used for

insulation or damage relatively delicate parts. Paint

cleaning contacts. Clean the contacts with silver

dust, composed of abrasive and semiconducting

polish, sandpaper, or burnishing tools. After cleaning,

materials, may also impair the insulation. Therefore,

if paint is to be scraped, all electrical equipment, such

use a vacuum to remove any remaining dust.

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