General description

The main components of the 12-volt, negative-ground electrical system are the 12-volt battery, the alternator, which is driven from a pulley on top of the engine through a belt, and the starter motor.

The battery provides constant current for the ignition, lighting and other electrical circuits, and also provides a power reserve when the amount of current consumed by electrical equipment exceeds that produced by the generator.

The generator is equipped with its own regulator, which guarantees a high output when the battery is in a weakly charged state and the required current is very high, and vice versa, in the case when the battery is fully charged and the required current is not very high, the regulator will provide a low generator output.

When installing electrical equipment on vehicles with a negative ground, it is very important to ensure that the connections are made correctly, especially if they contain silicone diodes or transistors, otherwise serious damage to the equipment being installed can be caused. Electrical appliances such as radios, tape recorders, electronic y systems, electronic tachometers, etc. should be carefully checked for their polarity before connecting.

It is also very important to always disconnect the battery cables when charging it using a special high-speed charger. If you intend to perform body repairs using electrical welding equipment, be sure to disconnect the generator, otherwise there is a risk of causing serious damage to it