Stock or made to order

Carbon Brushes for Sale

Mawdsleys is a UK carbon brush manufacturer and supplier, providing brushes for every type of electric motor, generator and alternator. Whether you need a stocked part fast or a custom brush made to your exact specification, we manufacture in-house at our Bristol workshop — so there's no waiting on overseas suppliers.

Minimum order value is £175

An image of a set of carbon brushes

UK carbon brush manufacturer

Unlike suppliers who simply resell stock parts, we manufacture carbon brushes in-house — so if what you need isn’t on the shelf, we can make it. That means:

  • Custom brushes made to your exact grade, size and configuration
  • No dependency on overseas lead times
  • Brush holders manufactured to match, not just supplied
  • Full control over quality, from raw material to finished part

This in-house capability is also what makes our identification and replacement service fast — we’re not waiting on a third party to confirm or produce a match.

Carbon brushes for electric motors

We supply carbon brushes for all types of industrial electric motors and rotating equipment, including:

  • DC motors and generators
  • AC motors and alternators
  • Power tools and appliances
  • Wind turbines and marine equipment
  • Obsolete or legacy motors no longer in production

Choosing the correct brush grade matters more than it might seem — the wrong brush leads to sparking, power loss and eventual motor failure. Our engineers match the brush to your specific motor and application to extend brush life, improve contact, and maintain performance under load.

Carbon brush replacement: when and how

Carbon brushes wear down through normal use, and catching the signs early prevents bigger problems. You should consider carbon brush replacement if you notice:

  • Excessive sparking where the brush contacts the commutator
  • A noticeable decrease in power from your motor or tool
  • Increased noise or vibration
  • Complete motor failure

Brush wear can also be accelerated by incorrect installation, the wrong brush size, winding faults, commutator issues, or a brush that isn’t shaped correctly to the arc of the commutator — which is why getting the right match matters as much as replacing on time.

On-site inspection available. Our engineers can visit to assess wear, check fitment, and recommend replacement before failure strikes — part of our end-to-end service, not an extra.

This is why

1. Speed of service

Reducing your downtime is our main priority. That’s why, from the moment you call to the final report, we move fast. No delays. Just results.

2. High-quality service

With over 100 years experience, we’ve built a reputation on precision, excellence, and constant improvement. You expect the best—we deliver it.

3. One-stop shop

The vast experience of our staff, combined with our state-of-the-art workshop, provide us with flexibility. We do not only repair – we manufacture.

4. ATEX motors specialists

Repairing all types of ATEX motors. We are an AEMT Ex Registered Repairer recognised for our quality systems and professional repair standards.

Carbon brush holders

A carbon brush is only as good as the holder behind it. We supply and manufacture brush holders to suit any electric motor, alternator or generator, ensuring the brush maintains full, secure contact with the commutator for optimal performance.

Carbon Brushes FAQ

What is the minimum order value?

£175

How do I know that my carbon brush needs to be replaced?

If you're unsure, use our identification service — send us the details or a sample of your current brush and we'll confirm the correct grade and specification within 2–3 working days.

What type of electric motor brush do I need?

This will depend on the type of your equipment. We have a great stock of carbon brushes but if any of them are not sufficient we can manufacture one that will fit your needs perfectly.

What causes carbon brush wear?

Carbon brush wear can be due to incorrect installation, wrong size brush fitted, winding faults, commutator issues, and brushes not being shaped to fit the arc of the commutator. We will make sure that you have the brush to serve your needs best. Get in touch with us for your quote today.

Do you manufacture carbon brushes, or only supply them?

Both. We hold stock for common applications, and manufacture custom brushes in-house when a stock part won't do — so bespoke or obsolete requirements aren't a problem.

How do I know which carbon brush I need?

If you're unsure, use our identification service — send us the details or a sample of your current brush and we'll confirm the correct grade and specification within 2–3 working days.

How often should carbon brushes be replaced?

It depends on usage and application, but if you notice sparking, reduced power, or increased noise, it's time to have them checked. Regular on-site inspection can catch wear before it causes a failure.

Do you supply brush holders as well as brushes?

Yes — we supply and manufacture holders for any electric motor, alternator or generator, to ensure a proper fit alongside your brushes.

Contact Mawdsleys Today for Swift Motor Support