Self Exciting One Wire Alternator
Quality - Value - Service
First a little about the standard 2 wire alternator system.
Most alternators have at least two wires that connect to the alternator. A large diameter main output wire that is attached to the alternators B+ threaded terminal post with a nut and lock washer and a small excitation wire which is usually attached to the alternator with a plastic harness connector which plugs into a matching connector on the side or back of the alternator . The harness connector that plugs into the unit may have as many as three more wires present in addition to the excitation wire depending on the vehicle and the type charging system. But for now let's focus on just the large main output wire and the small excitation wire and their most basic functions.
The Main Output Wire (large wire) serves two functions.
Advantages of the 2 wire system:
The Main Output Wire (large wire) serves two functions.
- To provide a path for the charging current to flow from the alternator to the battery.
- To provide a source of voltage for internal alternator components.
- To provide a signal, when the vehicles key switch is turned on, to the alternators voltage regulator. This signal (voltage) basically tells the voltage regulator to "turn on" so to speak. This wire goes by several names: excitation wire, ignition or igniter wire, and energizer wire.
Advantages of the 2 wire system:
- When the key is off the alternator drains no power from the battery
- Reliable alternator voltage regulator excitation or "turn on" when the key is turned on.
- The number of wires required which adds some complexity to the system. At least 2 wires and sometimes more are needed.
The Self Exciting One Wire Alternator System
Self Exciting One Wire Alternators are an excellent choice to replace older style generators or alternators that used separate external regulators because they greatly simplify charging system wiring. Whether on a car, truck, forklift, tractor,or hot rod they offer simplified wiring with a neat, clean look and can be configured for 6 volt, 12 volt, and 16 volt charging systems.
As the name implies the "One Wire" or "Self Exciting" alternator requires only the main output wire to function. The excitation wire is eliminated hence the term "Self Exciting". This is achieved by the use of a specially designed voltage regulator. This regulator self excites or turns itself on when it senses the slight voltage generated inside the alternator when the alternator begins to spin after the vehicles engine is started. This slight voltage is produced without an external excitation wire due to residual magnetism stored in the alternators rotor from the last time it was in use.
Advantages of the 1 wire system:
As the name implies the "One Wire" or "Self Exciting" alternator requires only the main output wire to function. The excitation wire is eliminated hence the term "Self Exciting". This is achieved by the use of a specially designed voltage regulator. This regulator self excites or turns itself on when it senses the slight voltage generated inside the alternator when the alternator begins to spin after the vehicles engine is started. This slight voltage is produced without an external excitation wire due to residual magnetism stored in the alternators rotor from the last time it was in use.
Advantages of the 1 wire system:
- Simplified Wiring. This is especially true when the Self Exciting One Wire Alternator is used to replace older generator or alternator sytems that used separate external voltage regulators. The older systems required as many as six wires total.
- If the vehicle sits for extended periods of time without the engine being started and run the residual magnetism stored in the alternator rotor will be lost and the alternator voltage regulator will not "self excite" or "turn on" when the engine is started.
- Vehicles equipped with Self Exciting One Wire Alternators need to be routinely started and have the engine run for a time to let the alternator rotor maintain its magnetism.
Services for the Self Exciting One Wire Alternator
Rebuild Alternator:
The One Wire Self Exciting alternator is put through a remanufacturing process.
- Complete disassembly of the unit.
- All components are cleaned and inspected.
- Service components are replaced with 100% new parts. (brushes, bearings, etc.)
- Rotor slip rings are resurfaced and polished on lathe.
- Stator and Rotor windings are tested electrically for shorts and grounds.
- Rectifier Assemblies are 100% tested.
- One Wire Self Exciting Voltage Regulators are 100% tested.
- All Alternators are 100% bench tested under load to meet output standards.
Repair Alternator:
Only the minimum number of components are replaced to make the alternator work.
- The alternator is benched tested to determine which components have failed.
- Only the failed component or components are replaced.
- The alternator is bench tested to meet output standards.
- No other repairs are made...no cleaning, no new bearings, no new brushes.
- No warranty is offered.
Convert to Self Exciting One Wire Alternator:
The standard alternator is converted to a Self Exciting One Wire Alternator.
- A self exciting one wire voltage regulator is installed in place of the standard regulator.
- The alternator is bench tested to check for self exciting one wire functions.
- If you choose the alternator can be rebuilt during the conversion process.
If you choose not to rebuild the alternator then:
- No other repairs are made...no cleaning, no new bearings, no new brushes.
- No warranty is offered.
New Alternator:
A new Self Exciting One Wire Alternator is supplied as a replacement.
- New - Aftermarket: 100% new Self Exciting One Wire units manufactured by companies other than the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Most but not all of these are made in China or Taiwan. Generally they are less expensive than new OEM units.
- New - OEM: (Original Equipment Manufacturer): 100% new Self Exciting One Wire unit manufactured by the Original Supplier. Generally are the most expensive and offer the highest level of quality.
- New OEM Self Exciting One Wire Alternators are available for only a few applications.
ALTERNATORS
LAMPS BRUSHES ARMATURES BRUSH HOLDERS |
WINDOW REGULATORS
DIODES BEARINGS CLUTCH PULLEYS BATTERY ISOLATORS |
STARTERS
FUSES RELAYS SWITCHES SOLENOIDS |
WINDOW MOTORS
DRIVES BUSHINGS BATTERY CABLES VOLTAGE REGULATORS |
GENERATORS
BULBS ROTORS FIELD COILS WIRE SUPPLIES |