Crank out main current (6)

I believe the answer is:

maniac

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'crank' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'out main current' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates anagramming the letters.
'current' becomes 'ac' (alternating current).
'main' is an anagram of 'mani'.
'mani'+'ac'='MANIAC'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for maniac that I've seen before include "fruitcake?" , "Deranged person" , "Can aim (anag.)" , "Lunatic, madman" , "Wild, perhaps violent, type" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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