Following this never-ending discussion, which is generally a repetition
of a similar thread on the electric list i still wonder why this highly
technical subject is treated without any relevant data. What would be
interesting to know is: What is the Mean Time Between Failure of
alternators, regulators and do not forget, what is the MTBF of overload
protectors? There is just too much assumption here. Assuming there is
overload protection on electronic devices like radios, assuming they are
not, or not reliable enough. Assuming that an OV will not induce new
risks, like spontanious triggering, triggering on switching loads on the
circuit, plain failure.
Adding components and circuitry adds to the failure rate of the total
assambly. That's a fact and not an assumption.
Without proper data and risk analyses of the different scenarios with
and without an OV it is fairly impossible to draw conclusions.
Without conclusions it is pretty silly to change from general practice.
Please let somebody find the MTBF's
Jos Okhuijsen
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