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What was the reason for going external regulator? By going to a
dual alternator can't I just switch one off if it goes bonkers (or have an
overvoltage relay do that for me)?
Hi Marko,
The reason for external
regulators is the ability to remove the field current, and turn off the
alternator if needed. Most internal regulators require an external current
to initially excite the alternator, but once it's going, you can't turn it
off. Removing the external voltage does more harm than good, because
it can raise the output of the alternator by removing it's reference
voltage. You could also use a contactor to disconnect the B lead, but the
alternator will keep on pumping, and possibly burn up if it really has a serious
problem.
That being said, modern
alternators and internal regulators are sooooo very reliable, that it's almost
paranoid to think they will fail in a way that will damage anything in your
electrical system. I did like the fact that the UltraMini said it came in
a version that could be turned off when desired. I'd need to ask more
questions about that.
Cheers,
Rusty
PS- thanks for the Ebay
link, but I just picked up a non-cracked stock manifold last night
for $52.
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