Voltage Regulator Rectifier

[MonsterMadMarty]

Can you run an engine built for a three phase rectifier (post 1999) through a single phase rectifier? Or do alternators need to be matched with rectifiers?

Cheers,

Marty 

[electricpete]

Hi, Marty- the short answer is that it won't work.  I assume the three-phase alternator is delta-configured, and, even if you could cobble up wiring to connect the alternator to the rectifier, you wouldn't get nearly the wattage output to which you'd be entitled.  I don't remember the formula (and am too lazy to look it up), but the single-phase output of a three-phase alternator would be significantly reduced (way less than half...), besides being very "ripply" (scientific term, there...).

Peter

[brad black]

no and yes.

you can use a 3 phase alt on a single phase, and leave one of the yellows disconnected.

[MonsterMadMarty]

Cheers guys