Direct Current Charging System Inspection

Wheeled Vehicle Electrical Systems (Part II)
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and limits the generator's voltage to a safe value. This protects the battery and other electrical

components from a voltage high enough to damage them.

Direct Current Charging System Inspection

An ammeter or battery indicator is connected between the generator regulator and the battery and

is mounted on the instrument panel of a vehicle. This gives us a way of checking the action of the

generator. Current flowing from the generator through the ammeter to the battery, when the

engine is running, will cause the ammeter pointer to move in a positive or charge direction. If the

engine is not running but the lights are on, the pointer will move in a negative or discharge

direction. Use of the ammeter to check the generating system can be of great help to both the

operator and the repairman. Any indication of a constant high charge or discharge should be taken

care of at once.