On Jun 8, 2:43 pm, Anthony W wrote:
It would be impossible for the alternator to continue to make power if
the wire to it were disconnected. There would be no power to the field
coil and therefor no output.

In an alternator with an integral regulator the output feeds the
regulator via an internal connection and therefore the field. It'll
still produce. But if the output to the aircraft is run to a pullable
breaker on the panel, it can be shut off and the alternator can go
play with itself. Only problem is that the output line to the breaker
is still live and can cause trouble in the event of a fire or forced
landing.

Dan