Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Onan - No AC Outpus
| Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 14:32  |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
Is there anything else I should be trying?
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245892 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 14:53  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Steve Adams wrote on Mon, 31 March 2014 15:32 |
I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
Is there anything else I should be trying?
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Steve,
The engine end and the electric machine end have nothing but iron in common. So, if the motor runs, LEAVE IT ALONE. The fact that you are getting no AC is in the AC electric end. It can easily be the bridge rectifier. It can also be other things. All of these are spelled out in Onan's book. It is very easy to reverse the field winding connections and that will stop it from producing any AC until you do something about that.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245893 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 15:02 |
Beach Coach
Messages: 50
Registered: December 2011
Karma: 1
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Hi Steve,
I have a NTE5328 bridge rectifier in my hand and it is labelled. The negative is located on the right side of the numbered end.To clarify : the negative terminal is located above the ending of the number sequence. I also have an original bridge rectifier and the negative is located on the left side of the numbered end. To clarify: the negative terminal is located above the beginning of the number sequence.
Hugh; from cold and dreary Nova Scotia.
hugh MacDougall
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
1975 Eleganza II
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245895 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 15:19 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Hugh,
That is very helpful. I should be able to confirm proper orientation with that information.
I still don't know if my spare is good or bad but I will at least know I have it in right.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245896 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 15:21 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Steve
Where are you checking for AC output?
Doesn't the Royale have a switch for Onan or shore power?
Could that be on shore?
Dennis
| Steve Adams wrote on Mon, 31 March 2014 14:32 |
I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
Is there anything else I should be trying?
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245901 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 15:33 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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The bridge should have one slanted corner. The connection on that corner and the one opposite should be the AC inputs. Your meter will tell you which of the other two is + and which -.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Steve Adams <sjadams@ptd.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 3:32 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus
I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
Is there anything else I should be trying?
--
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245913 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 17:30 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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At the Montgomery GMCMI convention Glenn Herzberger's Onan wasn't working so everyone told him it was the bridge rectifier. By the time he told me of his problem he had already purchased a bridge rectifier.
I told him that it might not be the rectifier. I took my voltmeter and after starting the Onan I checked both sides of the breaker switch located at the top of the Onan. There was 120 volts at each end of the breaker but no power at the receptacle where the plug that leads to the inside breaker box plugs in.
So I knew immediately that the wire from the on-top circuit breaker to the receptacle was somehow not connected. I crawled under the Onan and peeked behind it using a flashlight and found the loose ends if heavy gauge wiring and a cracked and opened plastic connector that previously connected the two wire ends.
I went to Home Depot and purchased a brass "saddle" clamp. I told Glenn that I had a meeting but would come back later to fix it. Meanwhile Glen Gardener, a first timer, crawled under tightened the clamp over the ends of the wires and wrapped everything with thick rubber electrical tape followed by a layer of regular plastic electrical tape.
Glenn now had power and could make coffee, heat water and BJ could make her tea. They had not had power from the Onan for 4 days of travel and she said she missed her tea. I got a big hug from BJ.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 2:32 PM, Steve Adams <sjadams@ptd.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
>
> I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
>
> I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
>
> Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
>
> The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
>
> I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
>
> I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
>
> How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
> Is there anything else I should be trying?
>
>
> --
> 1978 GMC Royal
> Eastern Pennslyvania
> 1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
> 1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
> 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
> 1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245915 is a reply to message #245913] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 17:38 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I just saw that I spelled Glenn Gardner's name wrong.
He is a professional photographer and his web site is g2photomx. Com.
Emery Stora
> On Mar 31, 2014, at 5:30 PM, Emery Stora <emerystora@mac.com> wrote:
>
> At the Montgomery GMCMI convention Glenn Herzberger's Onan wasn't working so everyone told him it was the bridge rectifier. By the time he told me of his problem he had already purchased a bridge rectifier.
>
> I told him that it might not be the rectifier. I took my voltmeter and after starting the Onan I checked both sides of the breaker switch located at the top of the Onan. There was 120 volts at each end of the breaker but no power at the receptacle where the plug that leads to the inside breaker box plugs in.
>
> So I knew immediately that the wire from the on-top circuit breaker to the receptacle was somehow not connected. I crawled under the Onan and peeked behind it using a flashlight and found the loose ends if heavy gauge wiring and a cracked and opened plastic connector that previously connected the two wire ends.
>
> I went to Home Depot and purchased a brass "saddle" clamp. I told Glenn that I had a meeting but would come back later to fix it. Meanwhile Glen Gardener, a first timer, crawled under tightened the clamp over the ends of the wires and wrapped everything with thick rubber electrical tape followed by a layer of regular plastic electrical tape.
>
> Glenn now had power and could make coffee, heat water and BJ could make her tea. They had not had power from the Onan for 4 days of travel and she said she missed her tea. I got a big hug from BJ.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Mar 31, 2014, at 2:32 PM, Steve Adams <sjadams@ptd.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> I had been feeling pretty good about my Onan as I had it running really well thanks to many here on the net. Well today, no AC output. Worked fine a week ago but today no AC. I am not aware of anything I did different or unusual.
>>
>> I went to Gene Fisher's site and read up on the issue. Everything seemed to point to the Bridge Rectifier (BR). I removed my BR, carefully noting the orientation and labeling each of the wires.
>>
>> I had a spare BR so I thought I would swap it out. It is an aftermarket NTE5328 that has a different orientation of the pins so I had to modify the plastic base by drilling 1/4 inch holes so the wires can align properly with the pins.
>>
>> Here is my problem. I was very careful to note the orientation of the original BR and carefully label all the wires. This is important because the BR can be inserted four different ways, but only one way works. I am certain that I can get the old BR back in properly but I don't know how to properly orient the new BR.
>>
>> The only markings on both BR's is some numbering on one side. The new one is numbered NTE5328. I oriented the new BR with the numbering in the same position or orientation of the original, but I don't know if that is necessarily correct.
>>
>> I did install it that way and started the Onan but still no AC being produced. I don't know if it was a good BR or if I have oriented it incorrectly? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> I did measure the voltage across control board pins 8 and 11 and I am only getting 2.3 volts. I think my next step will be to disconnect the voltage regulator as I understand it is not required and could cause problems if it failed.
>>
>> How do I know how to properly align or orient my new BR?
>> Is there anything else I should be trying?
>>
>>
>> --
>> 1978 GMC Royal
>> Eastern Pennslyvania
>> 1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
>> 1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
>> 1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
>> 1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245917 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 17:41 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Emery. I will check voltage at the circuit breaker. I'm just not sure where the neutral wire would be. I assume the circuit breaker is hot?
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245927 is a reply to message #245891] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 19:08 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Ok, here is where I stand:
Emery, I measured the voltage at the circuit breaker. I am showing about 2.3 volts, not the 110-120 I was looking for.
I found two markings on the Bridge Rectifier + and -. They were very faint and difficult to read but they are there and I am now confident that I have it connected correctly as I was very careful to identify and mark each wire when removing the old BR.
I don't know that my spare BR is good, or if I may have done any damage by wiring it incorrectly the first time. At this point I am inclined to order a new BR and be careful to install it correctly. I will also read as much as I can about the generator end of the Onan.
Is there anything else I should be considering?
I think I read something somewhere about flashing the fields?
Any insight would be appreciated.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245929 is a reply to message #245927] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 19:18 |
Jim Miller
Messages: 501
Registered: March 2008
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:08 PM, Steve Adams wrote:
> I don't know that my spare BR is good, or if I may have done any damage by wiring it incorrectly the first time. At this point I am inclined to order a new BR and be careful to install it correctly.
Take a multimeter, set it on Rx1 scale and touch the probes together. You should read 0.0 or something very close to zero. Then remove the BR and insert the probes into the + and - terminals. You should read around 38 ohms. Let us know what you find.
> I think I read something somewhere about flashing the fields?
Don't worry about that until you do the test I describe.
--Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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| Re: Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245930 is a reply to message #245927] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 19:21 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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| Steve Adams wrote on Mon, 31 March 2014 19:08 |
Ok, here is where I stand:
Emery, I measured the voltage at the circuit breaker. I am showing about 2.3 volts, not the 110-120 I was looking for.
I found two markings on the Bridge Rectifier + and -. They were very faint and difficult to read but they are there and I am now confident that I have it connected correctly as I was very careful to identify and mark each wire when removing the old BR.
I don't know that my spare BR is good, or if I may have done any damage by wiring it incorrectly the first time. At this point I am inclined to order a new BR and be careful to install it correctly. I will also read as much as I can about the generator end of the Onan.
Is there anything else I should be considering?
I think I read something somewhere about flashing the fields?
Any insight would be appreciated.
|
IIRC, it has been posted here that installing the BR wrong will not damage it, but you won't get any AC out of the genset.
Have you checked both of your bridge rectifiers? You might have two good ones, or two bad ones, or one good and one bad.
To check the BR, set your multimeter for ohms, 20 or 200.
Hold the red probe on the minus pin. Check the resistance to each of the adjacent pins (apply the black probe to each in turn). Should be low to each.
Hold the red probe on the plus pin. Check the resistance to each of the adjacent pins (apply the black probe to each in turn). Should be high (out of range) to each.
If those tests check out the BR is ok and a new one won't do you any good.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan - No AC Outpus [message #245939 is a reply to message #245901] |
Mon, 31 March 2014 19:43 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Johnny,
Read again what you wrote -- I'm sure you know better!
The uniquely marked corner, whether beveled, slanted, marked with a red
dot, an in- or out-dimple, or otherwise, is ALWAYS the positive (Cathode)
terminal of a bridge rectifier. The diagonally opposite terminal is the
negative. The other two are the ac terminals so it doesn't matter which
way their wires are connected.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Mon, Mar 31, 2014 at 3:33 PM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> The bridge should have one slanted corner. The connection on that corner
> and the one opposite should be the AC inputs. Your meter will tell you
> which of the other two is + and which -.
>
> --johnny
>
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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