In the good-old days, things were easier to operate and easier to maintain — or were they?

Here is an excerpt from NFPA Fire Apparatus Maintenance published in 1966 regarding the required maintenance on apparatus electrical systems:

“No adjustment can be made to the rectifier as it has no moving parts and is an electrical device. It should, however, receive maintenance care every 30 days.…

With a clean dry cloth, air, or a soft fine brush, gently remove the accumulation of dust and dirt, which might prevent proper cooling of the rectifier plates. Do not damage the painted surface of the plates or the rectifier will be more susceptible to short circuits and premature failure.”

When you consider this operation had to be performed every month, maybe the good-old days weren’t so good after all.