Technical Warm Voltage Regulator

My 6 volt Generator is putting out good voltage to my battery however I am not sure whether or not if it normal for the Voltage Regulator casing and wire connection terminals to get pretty warm. The connections are clean so I dont think there is any resistance going on. Appreciate any feedback. Steve

 

The old regulators work off electro magnets and they produce heat. Warm is ok, hot not so much. Bones

 

If you look underneath the VRs they have a couple large wirewound resistors on ceramic. That said, you could perform a generator output test. Check the manual for hookup.

Voltage regulators are adjustable for both current and voltage. If too much current is flowing the armature will start throwing solder.

 

Thanks. Since it's not hot I think it will be ok. I will periodically check just to be sure it doesn't get too hot.

 

Don't guess, measure. Or, don't worry about it.

 

Where is the regulator mounted? Ideally it should be where it will get some air flow around it. Don't get too fancy and hide it away some place where there isn't' any air moving around.

 

new wiring old? If new 6V wires are heavier than 12V wires.

That said, a voltage regulator gets warm, I have even had cars that they were hot to the touch. 6V uses more amps that 12V so they are going to run a little hotter.

 

..if it's mounted in the engine compartment or on the firewall, it'll get warm like everything else in there when up to operating temps...

 

Thanks. It is mounted on the fender well of my 55 F-100. Good explanation regarding the higher amps for 6V.