1. posterid:2068327
  2. Alt Field Circuit Breaker Popping

Re: Alt Field Circuit Breaker Popping

Rick Hole
 

The easiest test for a functioning alternator is to read the voltage on the 12V bus.  The battery without alternator will be 12.6 volts or less.  A functioning alternator will show more than 12.6 volts.  Normally the voltage regulator will adjust the field current to produce 13.8v with an automotive regulator and possibly as high as 14.4v with an aircraft regulator.

 

The engine must be running for the alternator to produce power, and may not produce full power at less than about 1600 RPMs.

 

Rick Hole

 

From: Q-LIST@... [mailto:Q-LIST@...]
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2019 12:44 PM
To: Q-LIST@...
Subject: Re: [Q-LIST] Re: Alt Field Circuit Breaker Popping

 

 

50 amp breaker is handling the current out from the alternator. It is only active when the alternator is spinning otherwise current from the alternator is zero. Battery charge plus electric items is probably 35 amps right after takeoff. If engine is not turning or field voltage is zero, then all current is coming from the battery.

 

Cheers,

Jay

 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID



"Corbin Geiser c_geiser@... [Q-LIST]" <Q-LIST@...> wrote:

 

Update:  I’ve located a 50amp breaker labeled MAIN.  I turned on Master, electronics come on, and then I pulled the 50amp breaker.  Nothing turned off.  I’ve removed the breaker and would like to know how to test to confirm if it’s working or not.  

 

Should all electronics turn off if I pulled the MAIN breaker?

Corbin


On Jul 29, 2019, at 11:59 AM, Rick Hole r.hole@... [Q-LIST] <Q-LIST@...> wrote:

 

An open alternator output, for example 50a breaker tripped or disconnected wire could cause the field breaker to blow only if the regulator suppling full voltage to the field draws enough current to trip the 5a field breaker. This should not be possible but if the 5a breaker is old and tired and, say, tripping at 3a your could see it trip. I have never seen this happen though. 

Don’t overlook wire fault as a cause, insulation worn through and he wire touching something grounded etc. 

Rick Hole

Email: r.hole@...


On Jul 29, 2019, at 10:23 AM, q2pilot@... [Q-LIST] <Q-LIST@...> wrote:

 

Ok, great news.

 

Now disconnect the Field wire from the back of the alternator and leave hanging.

Does the 5A break still blow?  If it does it's a bad regulator.  If it doesn't blow now, then we may have a shorted field in the alternator.

 

: )

Mike

 
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