TM 5-3810-300-24&P-3
7.1
Battery-Charging Generator
Avoid grounding or shorting the output wires or the field
wires between the generator and the regulator. Never
collapse of the magnetic field surrounding the field
run an alternator on an open circuit.
windings.
Grounding an A.C. generator's output wire or terminals,
If a booster battery is to be used, the batteries must be
which are always "hot" regardless of whether or not
connected correctly (negative to negative and positive to
the engine is running, or accidental reversing of the
positive).
battery polarity will destroy the diodes. Grounding the
field circuit will also result in the destruction of the
Never use a fast charger with the battery connected or
diodes. Some voltage regulators provide protection
as a booster for battery output. Never attempt to polarize
against some of these circumstances. However, it is
the alternator.
recommended that extreme caution be used.
The alternator diodes are also sensitive to heat and care
Accidentally reversing the battery connections must be
must be exercised to prevent damage to them from
avoided.
soldering irons, etc.
Never disconnect the battery while an alternator is in
If faulty operation of an alternator occurs on an engine
operation. Disconnecting the battery may result in
equipped with an insulated starting motor, check to be
damage to the generator diodes due to the momentary
sure that a ground strap is present and is correctly
high voltage and current generated by the rapid
installed.
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