So how can you successfully polarize your generator in giving it the spark of life and making sure it is actually charging properly.
Well first, a very important question here is what is polarization. And the correct answer is ensuring that the voltage of your regulator is the same as that of your generator.
In an event where you have just purchased your generator or perhaps a regulator, there is a very high probability that the generator’s polarity might not match the polarity of your regulator.
Why Should You Polarize a Generator?
This is no other reason but because your generator, as different from your alternator, is designed normally to function by operating both the negative and positive current. The function of your regulator is very much different and almost static. It is able to only execute the positive current only. So if you have the intention of using a regulator with your generator, it is very necessary that you polarize your generator.
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Perhaps, the consequences are usually that if there is no polarization or your generator sends a positive current through the terminal when it is not polarized to a similar current on the regulator, then the switches or motors and many other fragile appliances that have the similar positive current might get damaged. An even greater consequence could amount to the entire destruction of your generator.
Another situation might also be the case of getting a new generator and then the two charges are in the wrong direction, under this circumstance the right way to go about it would be polarization because polarizing such a generator will automatically restore the field current and ensure the current direction is correct.
And once again, this is why polarizing your generator is necessary.
However, the process can be very simple as possible if you know why, when, and how you could get your generator polarised.
Why should You Get Your Generator Polarised?
The basic reason for polarizing your generator would be to correct the current field of your generator in line with your regulator. This means that whenever you want to allow the flow of current through your generator, both the regulator and your generator must be charging or working in line with each other to supply the same current field.
Again the damage of your electronics is almost imminent if polarities between your generator and regulator are not the same. Therefore, you have to polarise your generator so that every possibility of all your components working against one another is totally eliminated by polarization and your electrical appliances continue to work just as fine as they used to.
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When Should You Polarise A Generator?
Another good question would be when you should get your generator polarised. When you operate your generator well or from time to time you don’t have to polarise it. However,
When your generator has not been used for a very long time
When your generator developed some fault and so it needs to be repaired or serviced
When your regulator develops some fault and so it needs to be repaired.
When your electrical appliances are disconnected from your generator for long
When you just got a new generator or regulator
If perhaps, you experienced any situation or circumstance similar to the above, then it is very wise to go for polarising your generator, making sure that your generator’s polarity is in line with the one of the regulator’s voltage.
How Can You Get Your Generator Polarised?
Now, this is a really important question and probably what you have been waiting for. If perhaps, you were anxious or nervous about how to go about the process of polarizing your generator, you have to know that this doesn’t require many technicalities.
First, you need to know that you don’t need to polarize your voltage regulators because they are static and not sensitive to polarity. And even if you saw it in the manual of your voltage regulator what might have been meant by this is that you polarize your generator instead because the manufacturer is trying to communicate the message that you should polarize your generator first before putting the blame of any damage that occurred on the voltage generator.
The second thing you need to know is the equipment used in polarizing your generator. They are jumper wire with alligator clips at each end, test lights, and a screwdriver. However, before polarizing your generator, it is better that you conduct a polarity test by inspecting very well the actual termination of the core colors of the connections made. Therefore you have to check whether it is a positive charge or the negative charge that you are operating on.
After testing the polarity of your machine, you can go on to polarize your generator by following these processes.
Detach the fan belt from the system or vehicle that is powered by the generator. While you are doing this it is also very important that you peel it off, with your hand and if that is not possible try to use a socket set to loosen the sway bar arm.
Ensure your jumper wire is about 15 gauge of wire and it is very long enough to get to the battery of your generator so that you can attach it to the positive terminal of your generator. Connect the jumper wire also to the armature terminal of your generator. You will identify this terminal by looking for the one that is labeled as “A”.
It is very important that while you connect your jumper wire to the positive terminal, it should only be a very brief contact. In fact, the time of contact should be as short as a second. If the duration of attaching to the positive terminal is longer than this then you should know that overheating of your generator might occur and there is every possibility that your generator would get spoiled or damaged.
After each process has been completed and you have finished polarizing your generator, it is better to check for positive results of your polarization
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This can be done by turning on your machine or switching on the ignition switch of your motor or any other machine. If there is a charge indicator on your machine, then there should be some light glow or display that shows some discharge before the motor even starts. In fact, there should be a light glow when there is just the key in your car without being switched on.
And when your motor is finally started and running then the battery should be charging and this is when the light glow goes off. if the light does not go off and the whole situation is otherwise then the battery is not charging. Also if the engine or machine is running slow then there is the likelihood that your generator is not supplying enough current or power to overwhelm the load on it. So you can put the fan back and restart the whole process of polarization, And if this happens again, then this shows that the generator is somehow defective. You could do well in getting a better generator.
That is all about getting your generator polarized. Polarization is a very simple process and you can always polarize your generator anytime any of the conditions above is experienced.