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Chraging System

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
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CHAPTER 4 ELECTRICAL AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS The electrical and hydraulic systems are major components designed to perform a variety of functions that support the operation of equipment. These systems control starting, charging, braking, steering, lifting, and the  movement  of  all  attachments.  This  chapter  covers the basic components of the electrical and hydraulic systems  used  in  automotive  and  construction equipment. ELECTRICAL  SYSTEMS Proper performance of pre- and post-operational checks  and  operator  maintenance  requires  a  basic understanding  of  the  electrical  systems  used  on automotive  and  construction  equipment.  The  basic components  of  the  electrical  system  are  the  following: a storage battery, a charging system, starting circuits, a lighting  system,  and  gauges. STORAGE  BATTERY The storage battery is the heart of the charging circuit. The type used in automotive, construction, and weight-handling equipment is a lead-acid cell type of battery. This type of battery stores energy in a chemical form. It is not a storage tank for electricity. The battery acts as a stabilizer for the voltage of the electrical  system  and  may,  for  a  limited  time,  furnish current when the electrical demands of the vehicle exceed the generator output. The battery produces a flow of direct current when lights, starter motor, or other current-consuming  devices  are  connected  to  the  battery posts. This current is produced by a chemical reaction between  the  active  materials  of  the  plates  and  the sulfuric acid of the electrolyte. Part of your prestart and operator maintenance responsibilities are checking the battery water level and ensuring the battery terminals are tight and free from corrosion. You can clean a battery thoroughly by using a stiff brush and a water and baking soda solution. If the battery terminals are corroded, disconnect and clean them. Clean the battery posts and the inside of the connectors  so  they  make  good  electrical  contact.  After cleaning, you should rinse off the battery with clean water. If the battery fails to supply sufficient power to turn the starter, document it and turn it in. Battery Construction A  typical  lead-acid  storage  battery  is  shown  in figure 4-1. Like most batteries, it consists of a molded container  with  individual  cell  compartments,  cell elements, cell connectors, cell covers, terminal posts, and vented filler caps. The  container  is  made  of  molded  hard  rubber, plastic, or bituminous material. It must withstand shock and  vibration  as  well  as  the  heat  of  the  engine compartment, if so located. Each cell compartment has rests to support the elements and space for an adequate supply of electrolyte. An area between the element rests allows any material from the elements to settle without contacting the elements and causing an internal short. The cell elements contain two types of lead plates, known  as  positive  and  negative.  These  plates  are insulated from each other by suitable separators made of microporous, nonconductor material (usually porous rubber or spun glass) and are submerged in a sulfuric acid  solution  (electrolyte). Batteries are designed with a single cover that extends over all cells. In many batteries, only the filler Figure 4-1.—Typical storage battery. 4-1







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