Don :
The issue is that disconnecting the load (battery) from a running
alternator may fry both the alternator and you (it can generate lethal
voltages).
The more sophisticated switches deal with the issue by having a separate
terminal for the alternator, which is shorted to ground through a
resistor before being disconnected from the battery, so the alternator
never sees "no load".
As a side issue, even with a generator, the simple (one circuit)
disconnect switches do not guarantee that the engine will stop when the
switch is opened. Even at idle, the generator/alternator will
frequently produce enough power to continue to run the ignition.
Randall
Don Marshall wrote:
>
> I missed the first part of this thread, so if this has already been
> covered, please excuse me. As one who is "electrically challenged" but
> curious, would you please explain the alternator issue and how the more
> sophisticated switches handle it?
>
> Thanks...
> Don Marshall
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