Any visual difference between cut out and electronic regulator?

[johnbuckley]

How can you tell the difference between 1) a simple mechanical cutout 2) an electronic regulator and 3) a cutout that's got a diode in it . Is there any simple way of checking what's inside them without taking the top off or watching the ammeter to see how they perform?

[Kurt in NJ]

With a meter on regular cutout "B" terminal should be open to the case, and other terminal
The "A"should have resistance to the case, open to B

A diode cutout should be open to the case from either terminal, and should test like a diode between A,B, --- the direction of flow depends on pos--- neg ground

Never tested or took apart a fun project regulator, but I suspect some reading in all directions

[Gary WA]

No can't see it

[w.michael]

My units from Fun Projects have a sticker on the bottom side. Take the "cutout" off the generator and see if it is marked or stickered on the bottom.

W. Michael

[johnbuckley]

Thank you all.

[tmiller6]

If it is a Fun Projects voltage regulator, John Regan the manufacturer said this in 2011 on the MTFCA forum.:

“All of our voltage regulators are easily discernible as to 6,8, or 12V as follows:

On the underside of the base the 8V units are stamped with a letter "A" while 12V units are stamped with a letter "B". No stamp at all and it is then a 6V unit. Positive ground Voltage Regulators have a steel washer in place of one of the center insulating washers. As pointed out - a rivet in one of the center locations designates that it is a cutout. Hope this helps.”

Look for a steel washer and no rivets in the center.

[John Dayhuff]

When I recently replaced my original cut out with a new diode one I used the old cover on the new cut out and painted the legs of it black. You can't tell the difference that it's been changed.

[redmodelt]

If there is no letter (I have a 6V positive ground diode type with no letter) on the bottom what I have picked up; (funprojects) there is a laser cut "V" on the bottom, if it is bent up it is a regulator, if left flat with bottom it is a diode type. If it out of warranty, take the cover off and look. They didn't make a lot of "CUTOUT" types as they were meant for cars that got driven much (more show then go).