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Rectifiers
A battery is charged through the use of an alternator
located in or on the engine. A charging circuit contains
a rectifier because alternators produce alternating
current (AC) and batteries require direct current (DC)
for charging.
The rectifier may be built into the engine or it may be an
external part. It may also contain a regulator to prevent
overcharging the battery. (Servicing of rectifiers built
into the engine should be done by an approved engine
manufacturer’s service center. Such a service center
has access to the information and parts required to test
and repair or replace engine components, including
rectifiers and regulators.)
Units that contain both a rectifier and regulator are
tested in a working circuit to make sure the regulator
portion of the device is operating.
