Specifications

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series/parallel circuit: A circuit that contains a
combination of components connected in series and
parallel.
short circuit: An undesirable complete circuit path
that bypasses the intended path and has very little
resistance.
silicon controlled rectifier (SCR): A semiconductor
that is normally an open circuit until voltage is
applied, which switches it to the conducting state in
one direction.
single phase: An AC load, or source of power
normally having only two input terminals if a load or
two output terminals if a source.
solenoid: A device that converts electrical energy
into linear motion.
spark gap: The distance from the center electrode
to the ground electrode on the spark plug.
spark plug: A component that isolates the electricity
induced in the secondary windings and directs a
high voltage charge to the spark gap at the tip of the
spark plug.
spark tester: A test tool used to test the condition of
the ignition system on a small engine.
starter motor: An electric motor that drives the
engine flywheel when starting.
starter solenoid: An electrical switch, with internal
contacts opened or closed, using a magnetic field
produced by a coil.
stator: An electrical component that has a
continuous copper wire (stator winding) wound on
separate stubs exposing the wire to a magnetic field.
switch: Any component that is designed to start,
stop, or redirect the flow of current in an electrical
circuit.
T – z
temporary (soft) magnet: A magnet that can only
become magnetic in the presence of an external
magnetic field.
trigger: A magnetic pick-up located near the
crankshaft pulley that senses and counts crankshaft
rotation.
troubleshooting: The systematic elimination of
the various parts of a system or process to locate a
malfunctioning part.
vibration mount: A rubber device located between
the engine or generator and the cradle to minimize
vibration.
volt (V): The unit of measure for electrical pressure
difference between two points in a conductor or
device.
voltage: The amount of electrical pressure in a
circuit.
voltage regulator: A component which automatically
maintains proper generator voltage by controlling
the amount of DC exitation to the rotor.
voltage regulation system: A system that controls
the amount of voltage required to charge the battery
with a regulator/rectifier.
voltage source: A battery or some other voltage
producing device.
watt: Unit of electrical power. In DC equals volts
times amperes. In AC equals effective volts times
effective amps times power factor times a consistent
dependent on the number of phases. 1 kilowatt –
1,000 watts.
winding: All the coils of a generator. Stator
winding consists of a number stator coils and their
interconnections. Rotor windings consist of all
windings and connections on the rotor poles.
zener diode: A semiconductor that senses voltage
to measure the state of battery charge at the battery
terminals.