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Date Posted: - Monday - 12/14/09 - 7:43pm
Author: Paul - 1971 M31 - #106
Subject: Voltage Regulators
In reply to: Steve M-32 SEAN O'Sea 's message, "Alternator regulator" on - Monday - 12/14/09 - 11:22am

What Steve is eluding to is that most newer (automotive) alternators have a built-in regulator for Voltage Management.

Newer alternators contain no permanent magnets (as opposed to the old fashioned dynamos) and need a 'steering current" from a minimally charged battery, to engergize the core (to make it a magnet), so that it will induce a current in the stator once it rotates the field within the charging coils. A lot of people toss perfectly good alternators because they didn't produce a voltage/current when "tested". They won't, unless you charge the rotor coils.

If you have a reasonably updated alternator, chance are it contains it's own regulator, likely with qualities that surpass the old mystery box you discovered.

As regards the only line left from the battery powering the entire boat - except perhaps for some items many people like to see "hardwired" to the battery - such as the primary bilge pump and alarm and VHF radio - typically the battery bank will supply power through a heavier cable to a main breaker mounted on the panel and from there through "normal" lines to the various individual breakers subblying and protecting their designated circuits.

With only this main line left, you probably have all the switches still "hot" but no bilge pump and your VHF radio won't work...

I don't (yet) know this boat - maybe I am right... ;-)

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[> [> [> More hardwired stuff... -- Paul - 1971 M31 - #106, - Monday - 12/14/09 - 7:56pm

The engine panel is likely hardwired to the battery as well.

As are the glow plugs (or the "cold start assist" as is used on the Marinized (no pun) Perkins engines)

The main power to the starter motor

12V auxilliary power outlets

The fan the PO mounted in the V-Berth

Etc.....

Note that "hardwired" means it has a designated line directly to the battery (often also a return "neutral) and it is protected by an in-line fuse rated specifically for the equipment.


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