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Charging protection

9th April 1971, Page 50
9th April 1971
Page 50
Page 50, 9th April 1971 — Charging protection
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• To protect electrical charging systems on vehicles from misuse, Butec has produced a new device called an RPP for use with its alternators.

The charging systems on vehicles are liable to damage through reversal of the battery connections and through voltage transients which can be generated by switch inductive circuits or intermittent connections carrying large currents—for example, when welding on the chassis. This is especially likely when the battery is disconnected or in a poor state of charge.

When the battery connections are reversed the six main rectifier diodes in the alternator are forward biased and thus apply a virtual short circuit across the supply. This damages at least one of the diodes and puts the charging system out of action.

The new device incorporates a polarity-conscious relay which opens the main return lead to the alternator, thus isolating the rectifier diodes from the battery. It automatically re-operates the charging system when the battery is correctly fitted.

The unit deals with voltage transients by a clipper which suppresses the voltage to a safe level without affecting the normal operation of the system.

The initials RPP stand for Reverse Polarity Protection Device.

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