Re: Vintage 10 amp regulator connections

[frankr]

quote Mas:

I’ve got two vintage Prestolite regulators…both 10 amp. They look identical, except one has additional wires for the PTO and and a ground wire…might there be differences inside that would not allow the PTO for the three wire model?

Thank you for your insight.

Mas

1. I have never seen one with the additional wires you mentioned
2. Considering #1, I have no idea what’s inside.
3. The power take-off is actually coming from the battery and/or generator combination. Look at the diagram and follow the wires from the battery to the PTO and you will see what I mean. As it comes from the battery and goes through the ammeter (to the PTO), it is flowing in one direction, showing a discharge on the meter. Going in the opposite direction (generator to battery and PTO), it flows in the opposite direction, showing a charge on the meter. Which direction it flows at any given time is determined by the relative voltages at the battery + and regulator terminal. It goes from whichever has the highest voltage to whichever has the lowest voltage at that instant. That can change many times per second. I hope I said all that correctly
4. There are many different regulators out there in the world that look similar. So don’t rely on looks.

EDIT: After thinking about it, I guess I have seen or studied about the regulators with the extra wire. I’d have to get out my books for a refresher course. But just offhand, I’d guess that is a car regulator. Which brings up a question for you—How do you know they are 10 Amp regulators?? Even tougher question—do you know if they are for a Type A or Type B field circuit?