Specifications

57
D
DC amperage test: A test that uses a digital
multimeter or other suitable test instrument to
indicate the current that should enter the battery if
all connections to the battery are good.
depletion region: The region of a diode which
separates P-type material and N-type material.
digital multimeter (DMM): A test tool used to
measure two or more electrical values.
diode: An electrical semiconductor device that can
be used to convert AC to DC.
direct current (DC): The flow of electrons in one
direction only.
dynamo: A machine for converting mechanical
energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic
induction – a generator.
E
eddy current: Undesirable current induced in the
metal structure of an electrical device due to the rate
of change in the induced magnetic field.
electrical symbols: Graphic illustrations used in
electrical system diagrams to show the function of a
device or component.
electricity: Energy created by the flow of electrons
in a conductor.
electric starting system: A group of electrical
components activated by the operator to rotate the
crankshaft when starting an engine.
electro-motive force (EMF): The force which
causes current to flow in a conductor; in other words,
the voltage potential.
electrolyte: A mixture of water and sulfuric acid
(H2SO4) used in a lead-acid battery.
electrons: The parts of an atom that have a negative
electrical charge
F
free electron: An electron that is capable of jumping
in or out of the outer orbit.
frequency: 1. The number of complete electrical
cycles per second (cps).
full-wave rectification: The process of rectifying
AC and recovering the B- pulse of AC that the diode
blocks.
full power outlet: Enables you to draw the full power
of the generator out of one outlet.
fuse An excess current protection device with a thin
metal strip that melts and opens the circuit when a
short circuit or excess current condition occurs.
G – I
generator: An electrical device that produces an AC
sine wave as a wire coil is rotated in a magnetic field
or as magnets are rotated inside a wire coil.
ground: A connection, intentional or accidental,
between an electrical circuit and the earth or some
conduction body serving in the place of the earth.
half-wave rectifier: An electronic device used in a
charging system that converts AC to DC by blocking
one-half of the AC sine wave to allow current to flow
in only one direction.
hertz (Hz): The international unit of frequency equal
to one cycle per second.
horsepower (HP): A unit of power equal to 746
watts (W) or 33,000 lb.-ft. per minute (550 lb.-ft. per
second).
idle control: A system that controls the idle speed
of the engine in direct relation to the electrical load.
ignition armature: A component containing two or
more coils which, when acted upon by a magnetic
field, induces electrical energy.
ignition coil: A device used to supply DC voltage to
the spark plugs.
ignition system: A system that provides a high
voltage spark in the combustion chamber at the
proper time.
induction: The production of voltage and current
by the proximity and motion of a magnetic field or
electric charge.
induction principle: A theory which states that
with a conductor, any one of the following (current,
a magnetic field, or motion) can be produced by the
remaining two.
inductive field coil: A coil of wire, attached to a
segmented iron core, that produces a magnetic field
when current is passed through it.
ionization gap: The distance between the ignition
armature pole and the secondary pole in the spark
tester.
L
lamination stack: An electrical component that
consists of thin iron layers used to focus and control
the lines of magnetic flux.
lead-acid battery: A battery that stores electrical
energy using lead cell plates and sulfuric acid
(H2SO4).
limited angle torque (LAT) motor: A direct current
(DC) motor used to control governor system
components in an electronic governor system.
load: A device that uses electricity, such as the
starter motor, lights, or other application accessories.