Re: Re: Re: Re: Converting positive to negative ground

Posted by Jim WI on March 22, 1999 at 10:59:40:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Converting positive to negative ground posted by AL on March 16, 1999 at 00:54:55:

"So why do they sell Pos ground and Neg ground starters and generators if all you have to do is switch the wires around?"

Generally, they don't.

As a rule, starters are not polarity sensitive. They work by the interaction of the magnetic fields from two windings. When you switch the polarity of the incoming power, the fields both switch polarity and the starter still turns the same direction. (There are some exceptions to this rule [e.g.; permanent magnet starters] but I've never heard of one on a tractor -- especially an older tractor.)

As for generators, unless your generator uses an integral regulator, it won't care either. During the installation, you polarize (or "flash") the generator by momentarily making a connection between the appropriate terminals. This establishes a magnetic field in the generator that causes it to generate the correct polarity.

Many regulators are polarity sensitive (especially the electronic variety).

Alternators also are polarity sensitive.

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