How To Polarize A Generator (In 3 Easy Steps)

Whenever the generator is removed from an electrical system, it needs to be polarized prior to reinstallation. Polarization is the process of matching the current flow to the electrical system before connecting the generator. Generators can produce either a positive or negative current, but most electrical systems are designed to accept a current flowing in one direction.

When a generator is in regular use, it will ‘remember’ the direction of the current using stored magnetism. If the generator isn’t used for a long time, this magnetism dissipates. The generator ‘forgets’ the direction of the current flow. The same thing occurs any time the generator is removed or replaced from the electrical system. You must always be sure it is polarized correctly before reconnecting it.

If you’re ever unsure of your system’s polarity, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer before performing this procedure. Improperly polarizing your generator can destroy your electrical system. So, in this article, we will explain how to polarize your generator in just three easy steps.

If the generator is still in the machine it is a part of, remove the fan belt. You may be able to remove it by hand. If not, use the socket set or screwdriver to loosen the sway arm holding the fan belt in place. Set the fan belt and bolts or screws to the side to make sure you can keep track of them.

There are magnetic wrist bands available for individuals who frequently work with small accessories such as screws and nails. The nails and screws will stick to this wrist band. So that might be something you want to look into to make your life a bit easier.

Polarization is the process of matching the polarity of your generator to that of your voltage regulator.

When a generator produces a voltage, the pole pieces will store magnetism that indicates the current flow direction. Most of the time, this ‘memory’ is sufficient to keep your generator and voltage regulator functioning correctly.

If the generator has been removed for repair or is being replaced, it can lose this stored magnetism and ‘forget’ which way the current flows. Most electrical systems are designed to only accept current flowing in one direction, with catastrophic results if the reverse current is introduced.

This can result in severe damage to the entire electrical system, permanently destroying vital components.

A generator is any device that converts mechanical energy into electrical power for use. The most common source of these generators is within the charging system of consumer vehicles, tractors, or portable electrical generators.

Generators can output either positive or negative current. When a generator is shut off, some of the electrical currents are retained in the form of stored magnetic force. The next time it starts up, it uses this stored magnetism, or ‘memory’ to restart the current in the direction it was previously flowing.

If that stored magnetism dissipates, the generator will be nonfunctional and won’t produce electricity. Even worse, if the magnetism reverses the direction of the current flow, it could damage other components in the machine.

Voltage regulators are one such component. If a generator is not adequately polarized before being connected, it can destroy the entire system.

Generators commonly store magnetism in their pole pieces. This stored magnetism will then help the generator ‘remember’ which way the current flows as it leaves the generator. Most of the time, the residual magnetism will be sufficient to allow the generator to function correctly.

When a generator is serviced or removed from its housing, it dramatically increases the chances that the stored magnetism will dissipate. Always polarize a generator properly before introducing it to an electrical system.

The generator’s polarity can even be reversed while being serviced. If reintroduced to your electrical system like this, it can cause severe damage. Both to the system it’s being connected to and anything plugged into that system.

Polarization should be done any time there has been any maintenance to your generator or electrical system. Additionally, the procedure should be done any time the generator sits idle for long periods of time (months or years).

Sitting idly for months or years can cause your generator to lose its stored magnetism, rendering it incapable of producing electricity. This doesn’t often cause the same level of damage as a reversed current but still causes issues that polarizing your generator will fix.

If you replace, repair, or otherwise need to disconnect or reconnect any part of your electrical system – make sure the generator is polarized correctly.

When you’ve finished the polarization procedure, the current will correctly flow through your electrical system. Improperly flowing current can cause all kinds of issues and can destroy your system. By properly polarizing the generator before connecting it to the electrical system, you can be sure that you’re not causing permanent damage.

Once you know the polarity of your system, the process is simple. It doesn’t require complicated tools and can be done by your basic handyman safely. That said, electrical systems can be finicky. Always be sure you have a firm grasp of the concepts before working on them.