5_108.bk Page 73 Thursday, October 4, 2001 11:45 AM
MAINTENANCE BATTERY CHARGING ALTERNATOR Terminals should be checked for corrosion and loose connections and wiring inspected for damaged or frayed insulation every 150 hours. Have wiring repaired or replaced, as required. Precautions must be taken when working on or around the alternator. The diodes and transistors in the alternator circuit are very sensitive and can be easily destroyed. 1. Avoid grounding the output terminal. Grounding an alternator’s output wire or terminal (which is always hot, regardless of whether or not the engine is running) and accidentally reversing the battery polarity will result in equipment damage.
3. Never disconnect the battery while the alternator is operating. Disconnecting the battery can result in damage to the alternator diodes. In marine applications which have two sets of batteries, switching from one set to the other while the engine is running will momentarily disconnect the batteries. This can result in equipment damage. 4. If a booster battery is to be used, batteries must be connected correctly (negative to negative, positive to positive) to avoid equipment damage. 5. Never use a fast charger with the batteries connected or as a booster for battery output.
2. Do not reverse battery connections. This can also cause damage.
Reversing battery polarity can also result in personal injury caused by the sudden discharge of electrolyte from the battery vents and/or the sudden rupture of the battery case caused by explosion of internal hydrogen gas.
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