A motorcycle voltage switch is an electronic circuit that forms and sustains a set voltage output. An electrical circuit within a motorcycle is regulated with the help of a switch. It creates and maintains a predetermined voltage output. Also even when the input voltage or load conditions vary, this voltage doesn’t alter. It stays at a constant set range of voltage. A switch also keeps the voltage from the power supply within an acceptable range. Most voltage switches convert direct current to direct current (DC/DC). But they can also convert alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) or alternating current to alternating current (AC/AC). Nevertheless, DC/DC voltage switches are the primary focus of our attention as they are the ones used most in motorcycles.
The voltage switch is an essential component of the bike charging system. It helps in maintaining a constant current to prevent overcharging or damaging the battery.
Types
The switches are divided into two main types which are further divided. These are:
- Voltage switch for single-phase generator
- Voltage switch for three-phase generator
Single-phase generator
The switches for single-phase generators are further divided into 4 types which are listed below:
- 2-pin switch
- 3-pin switch
- 4-pin switch (A)
- 4-pin switch (B)
2-pin Switch
A 2-pin switch is most frequently found on compact, modern bikes that just feature a headlamp and a tail lamp. These bikes lack a battery as well. Therefore, there is no need for a switch unit in this voltage switch because a glowing bulb functions best on an AC voltage. Additionally, the component’s internal circuit regulates the generator’s AC voltage to 14–14.5 VAC. Making this switch an AC voltage switch.
3-pin Switch
This switch can be found in many types of motorbikes, where one end of the switch attaches to the chassis of the motorbike and connects to the opposite end of the battery. And another end transfers the AC voltage to a correction section. This changes the AC into DC. It also goes through a switch section which keeps the output voltage of the circuit to about 14.0V.
4-pin Switch (A)
The most common types of switches found in motorcycles are 4-pin switch. A 4-pin motorcycle voltage switch. This switch maintains a voltage of 14.0V. The two ends of the winding are connected to a switch. It changes the AC to DC.
4-pin Switch (B)
The 4-pin switch has two windings and is a combination switch. It is a combination of the 2-pin and the 3-pin switch. The 2-pin switch portion provides an alternating current to the headlamps and tail lights. The 3-pin switch portion provides direct current to the battery.
One of these is a carrier for power to the main electrical system. The other supplies the headlamps and tail lights.
Three-phase generator
The switches for the three-phase generator are divided into 2 types which are :
- Y-type
- Delta type
Y-type switch
This switch is an AC switch and has the same working principle as the 3-pin switch. But it differs in its layout as compared to the 3-pin switch.
Delta Type Switch
A delta-type switch is an automated voltage switch. It also has a 220 VAC output and an input of roughly 130 VAC.
Symptoms Of A Malfunctioning Voltage switch
A voltage switch malfunction isn’t something that happens suddenly. Overtime, external factors can damage your switch and cause it to start malfunctioning. A few signs of this can be:
- High voltage output
- Headlamps or tail lights dimming
- Dips in power
- Uncontrolled power surges
- Rust and corrosion
How to check a voltage switch
What you need :
- A multimeter
You will need the diode setting on your multimeter to check your voltage switch. There are two ways to test the switch, with positive bias and with negative bias.
Positive Bias forward
To check the positive bias or forward bias we will use the multimeter.
Use the multimeter to supply a small amount of power through the unit, enough to replicate as it would normally work. Then take the negative side of the multimeter and attach it to the positive terminal of the unit. And check the reading for both nodes. You should get a positive reading after doing this. This shows that the current is flowing through the voltage switch.
Negative bias reverse
To check the negative bias or reverse bias we will again use the multimeter.
Similar to how we check for positive bias we will supply a small amount of current through the unit. However, we perform negative bias to check and ensure that the current does not flow in an unwanted direction. For this, we take the positive side of the multimeter and attach it to the positive terminal of the unit. Hence the readings that we want are zero because you don’t want any backflow of current through the device.
Importance Of Checking A Voltage Switch
In the case that your regulator is malfunctioning or failing checking it with a multimeter can help you figure out if you need to replace it. And if it is in fact failing you might want to replace it immediately, as a voltage switch converts AC to DC and helps charge your battery. It is essential in managing the current that charges the battery and it makes sure that the battery isn’t over or under-charged.
Regularly checking your switch can help you detect any issue or problem early on. This can prevent further damage or chances of an accident you might have while riding. A few indications may include a sudden increase or decrease in power, rusting, corrosion or dimming lights. If you see these changes it might be time to get out the multimeter and have a look at the voltage switch of your bike.
Regularly checking your voltage switch can help you detect any issue or problem early on. This can prevent further damage or chances of an accident you might have while riding. A few indications may include a sudden increase or decrease in power, rusting, corrosion, or dimming lights. If you see these changes it might be time to get out the multimeter and have a look at the voltage switch of your bike.
