Narrative:

We had a potable water system pressurization air compressor on MEL. During removal/replacement (right/right); found [air] pump and cannon plug very hot to touch. MEL does not require a circuit breaker (C/B) to be pulled or the cannon plug to be removed. I think this creates a fire hazard. If pump is seized; as this one was; an overheat condition is possible. This is much more likely on the ground as the pump is only powered when the APU and engines are 'off'; but if the timing was right; a fire could start and remain undetected until after take off.

Related reports:

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) reports about a potential fire hazard that could develop in the Lower Lobe Forward Cargo compartment outboard sidewall on MD-11 aircraft. Reporter found a deferred Potable Water System Pressurization Air Compressor pump and Cannon plug very hot to touch during Removal/Replacement (R/R) of the deferred pump. MEL does not require a Circuit Breaker (C/B) pulled or Cannon plug be disconnected for the deferral.

Narrative: We had a Potable Water System Pressurization Air Compressor on MEL. During Removal/Replacement (R/R); found [Air] Pump and Cannon plug very hot to touch. MEL does not require a Circuit Breaker (C/B) to be pulled or the Cannon plug to be removed. I think this creates a fire hazard. If pump is seized; as this one was; an overheat condition is possible. This is much more likely on the ground as the pump is only powered when the APU and engines are 'Off'; but if the timing was right; a fire could start and remain undetected until after take off.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.