Alternator disconnect

[BigAl.NZ]

Hi All,

Our yacht has two alternators (start & house) and they both have Alernator disconnect isolating switches on the DC panel.

Is it usual to have a alternator disconnect switch?

Cheers

Al

[Wotname]

Not that usual but certainly some do fit them, especially if the engine is on the smaller side of desired Hp range and the alternators are on the big side.

[smac999]

often you'd have a breaker / fuse, not a swtich. as they should be fused. now you need a swtich and fuse. never turn them off when the engine is running.

[Wotname]

The usual method of providing a alternator disconnect (isolating) switch is to have the switch in the field circuit thus negating the need to worry about whether the ouput is open circuit or not.

I.E. they can be turned off when the engine is running.

EDIT: It would be very prudent for the OP to know exactly how the disconnect switches are wired before trying them while the engine is running!

[BigAl.NZ]

Thanks guys.