Lesson 1/Learning Event 1
Control
Direct current generators need to be kept under control or regulated to keep them from building up
too much voltage and current. Without regulation, a generator will continue to increase its output
as its speed increases. After a short time, it will be producing so much current it will overheat and
burn up. A generator that produces too much current and voltage will damage itself, the battery it
is charging, and any other electrical equipment on the vehicle. There are several ways to regulate
DC generator output. The most common way on wheeled vehicles is to regulate the generator field
current by using a generator regulator.
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