3 phase alternator / generator polarisation 01 PUBLIC

The rotor on active, or powered, rotor alternators must be "polarised" - that is, given a small remnant magnetic polarisation - before it can be used for the first time.

This describes a way to do it.

The rotor on active, or powered, rotor alternators must be "polarised" - that is, given a small remnant magnetic polarisation - before it can be used for the first time.

On machines with NEGATIVE earth:

Ensure the D- connection is connected to the battery earth (NEGATIVE terminal).

Disconnect DF connection from regulator and connect through a 50W headlamp bulb to the POSITIVE battery terminal to the DF connection on the alternator rotor.

DO NOT connect directly to the slip ring on the rotor: the arc will damage the surface. Connect only through the brushes.

The bulb will light up. Leave the connection until the light has reached full brightness then disconnect the bulb.

Reconnect the DF connection between the rotor and the regulator.

Although it is unlikely that such a thing would be encountered, for machines with POSITIVE earth: reverse the polarity in the instructions