What tool is used to check for shorts and opens in a motor or generator armature?

The growler is a specialized tool used to test for shorts and opens within a motor or generator armature. It functions by creating a small alternating magnetic field, which induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the conductive windings of the armature. When the armature is placed on top of the growler, any shorts between windings will complete a circuit and produce a measurable output, while opens will show a lack of induced current. This makes the growler particularly effective in identifying issues with the coils of the armature, allowing technicians to pinpoint problems quickly and efficiently.

While a multimeter can test for continuity and basic electrical properties, it doesn't provide the targeted assessment of shorts and opens specifically within the armature's windings like a growler does. An oscilloscope is more suited for analyzing waveforms and electrical signals rather than detecting physical faults in motor armatures. A capacitance tester is designed to measure capacitor values, not for testing motor windings or identifying shorts and opens.

Understanding the purpose and function of the growler in motor diagnostics is essential for effectively maintaining electrical systems in aircraft.