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).
Ongoing earthing issues with chassis starter switches and proposed solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 34\3\ Scan073 | |
| Date | 3rd March 1921 | |
| X.2641. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from MP. c. to Bit. c. to Dr. c. to Dr. c. to KPG. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}19/F8.3.21. X-2641 RE. CHASSIS STARTER SWITCHES. We still continue to have trouble with the contact moving arm of the press button switch earthing, and although we have prevented the direct failure of blowing fuses by altering the polarity of this switch, we still have failures such as the starter working or the Klaxon horn blowing should the positive fuse be disconnected. As a matter of fact a failure as above described very nearly caused a serious accident. I again therefore bring forward the point that better inspection of this switch should be considered. The insulating of the nut where it comes in contact with the case I understand was turned down owing to it being impracticable. I again bring forward the suggestion that the case itself should be insulated locally at this point, and if the fixing of a fibre washer at this place is considered unsuitable, I bring forward for your consideration the machining of the case at this point, so as to insert a mixture of mica and shellac, which has recently been so successfully used in filling up the hole at the high tension terminal to the coil, and I submit to you a sample herewith of how this scheme could be applied in this case. Apart from this nut referred to, I find that the other screw on this arm is also dangerously near the boss of the press button, and we have had cases where this has actually earthed. Could not this cheese headed screw be replaced with a countersunk type? Handwritten: Should be pleased to demonstrate samples of above on test. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Footer: R.R. 288A (100 T) (S. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 768. 16-12-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 1947 | ||