Re: polarizing the generator?--dumb question

Posted by HH56 On 2012/2/3 14:15:47

If it's charging OK, no problems.

The generator is disconnected from the battery when engine is not running. Because there is nothing powering the field coils, it relies on a tiny bit of residual magnetism in the iron. If that is present, once armature starts spinning it can start putting out a small voltage to bring in one of the regulator relays and connect the battery. Once battery is connected, field is at strength and regulator starts it's thing. Polarizing works like an electromagnet and magnetizes the iron and also ensures the N-S poles in the generator are correctly oriented so the output polarity is correct.

Polarizing is a good idea in case something accidentally was reversed and is recommended as a matter of thoroughness. If a new item (generator in particular) was installed, there may be no residual magnetism so will be needed. If the battery was reversed, the poles will be the wrong orientation and polarizing corrects things to the current configuration.