How to Test a 12 Volt Generator

A generator is a machine that converts the energy of motion into electricity at a particular voltage. While generators use many different means, such as wind-driven propellers, water-driven wheels and fuel-based engines to create the motion, all generators produce electricity. Therefore they can all have their voltage tested in the same manner.

• 1

  Divide the power that your resistors are rated for by 24. Take the square root of the result. The result of this calculation is the minimum value of resistance you will need for the test. You will be hooking up a resistor to the generator, and if the resistor has too little resistance, it will be unable to handle the generator's power and could pose a fire hazard.

• 2

  Select any resistance with a value greater than the minimum needed. The exact value of the resistance that you choose does not matter; it will not affect the results of the test.

• 3

  Clean the leads of the resistor with detergent. This removes any grease and oxides that might make an electrical connection difficult.

• 4

  Bend the leads of the resistor straight down. Insert the leads into the prototype circuit board.

• 5

  Remove one inch of insulation from the two wires. Use the wire strippers. Wrap one end of each wire around the end of one of the alligator clips.

• 6

  Insert the bare ends of the two wires into the prototype circuit board. Place them in the holes directly below the leads of the resistor. This will connect them to the resistor.

• 7

  Clamp the alligator clips to the output terminals of the 24-volt generator.

• 8

  If the generator is an alternating current (AC) generator, set the multimeter to read AC voltage. If it is a direct current (DC) generator, set the multimeter to read DC voltage.

• 9

  Touch the leads to the multimeter to the leads of the resistor. If the generator is DC, the negative lead of the multimeter must touch the resistor lead that is connected to the negative terminal of the generator, and the positive lead of the multimeter must touch the resistor lead connected to the positive terminal of the generator. If it is an AC terminal, it doesn't matter which multimeter lead goes where. Read the multimeter. If the generator is functioning properly, the multimeter should read 24 volts.