The correct way to take an alternator off line is to open the field circuit, not
the output circuit. Electro-mechanical regulators do exactly that many times a
second. The alternator can only produce an output if the field is energized.
Basically the field (which is actually the rotating part of the alternator) when
energized is a rotating magnet which then induces currents in the stator
windings. Open field means no induced currents, which mean no output. This also
avoids the load dump problem.

"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:

wrote:

If you open the alternator output breaker while the alternator is
generating power then you get what is known as a "Load Dump".

So, Based on this (and the rest of the info in your post), it sounds like it
would be perfectly ok to start the aircraft with the alternator out of the
circuit. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to cut one out in a twin. Does
this load dump occur if there are two alternators feeding the system and you
cut one out?

George Patterson
To a pilot, altitude is like money - it is possible that having too much
could prove embarassing, but having too little is always fatal.

--
--Ray Andraka, P.E.
President, the Andraka Consulting Group, Inc.
401/884-7930 Fax 401/884-7950
email
http://www.andraka.com

"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little
temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-Benjamin Franklin, 1759