What is AVAILABLE VOLTAGE

In layman's terms,the regulator/rectifier is just what the name implies. It is actually two seperate components combined together in one casing. The REGULATOR part of it, is what adjusts or REGULATES the amount of DC [direct current] VOLTAGE needed to run any 12 volt DC system with a little bit left over to charge the battery. This BTW,is also known as "AVAILABLE VOLTAGE". Too much is no good, as is too little.

The RECTIFIER part of it, is the component that converts or rectifies the AC [alternating current] VOLTAGE,  generated by the stator which IS actually an AC generator, over to DC VOLTAGE, nothing more and nothing less.

And finally, the BATTERY, which is ALWAYS the starting point when diagnosing any electrical problem. This is the HEART of any 12 volt DC electrical system. If it's got dirty or loose connections, if it's in a poor state of charge, if it's low on water or as we call it in the business "ELECTROLITE",[aka,battery acid], or if it is weak and needs to be replaced, it can and will damage electronic components such as the regulator/rectifier. In plain english, any electrical component will NOT work properly if the electrical system is NOT up to snuff. So the bottom line is that, ya wanna have a GOOD BATTERY with CLEAN and TIGHT CONNECTIONS goin to and from it, as well as to and from the rest of the electrical system components. Dave!!!

Last update: 07:54 AM Tuesday, September 12, 2006

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