Craig,

Similar to a problem I had with my ES, ie., the 5 amp field breaker would pop almost every flight. I have a 60 amp, 24 volt alternator and the B&C LR3C-28 regulator . I checked the batteries, all the connections (control, ground and hot) and replaced the breaker. No joy. Consulting with a person very familiar with the charging an electrical systems on aircraft I learned that the engine driven alternators on Cont engines have a tendency to develop intermittant shorts in the windings. There are two fixes. One, replace the alternator or at least the rotor (expensive). Second, if the short is toward one end of the windings, swapping the field connections on the alternator might make the problem go away. Presumably having sufficient wingings in line before the short prevents the field current from spiking high enough to pop the breaker. I was lucky and this appears to have fixed my problem. No trips after ~ 40 hours, while before I would get one every 30 mins to 2 hours.

Lots of luck.

Paul Bricker

N63PB

 

 

My IV-P has a charging problem.  The alternator 5 amp field circuit breaker pops.  It seems to take longer to pop when there is a higher electrical load.  For example when the air conditioner is running.  I have a 24v system, 100 amp alternator, B&C voltage regulator and  two 12 v gel cell batteries in series.  Any thoughts as to where I should look?

 

Craig Berland

N7VG