From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Serious fault where a main battery cable shorted, causing a fire risk, and the subsequent wiring modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 98\5\ scan0235 | |
| Date | 1st March 1940 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}5/WH.1.3.40. 12.B.V. A serious fault has occurred on the above car in which the shorting of the main battery cable might have caused a fire; as it was, the smell of burning rubber due to the melting of the insulation and the resulting smoke, gave the impression that the car itself was on fire. The trouble was due to the flexible tube, which carries the battery lead, receiving a hard upward bump, squashing it against the under surface of the cruciform: the battery lead crosses the frame at this point on its way to the battery. An alternative scheme, in which the cable crosses the frame at the gearbox member has been introduced on 14.B.V., 1.R.1 and 4.B.50. This scheme was turned down by the D.O. in favour of a revised scheme in which the battery cable is carried in a steel tube: however, it still crosses the frame on the under surface of the cruciform, and if subjected to the above treatment would probably short. This latter scheme is standard on B.V. We have now modified the wiring on 12.B.V. so as to cross the frame on the gearbox member. As it is possible to damage the cable when arranged as standard, we recommend the modified scheme for B.V's. Also, all existing experimental cars should be modified as the opportunity arises. At the moment there is no drg. for this arrangement. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs} | ||