Justin Rubsam,

I have a layman's understanding of the theory behind a condenser/capacitor. In one of your previous posts you cited the benefits of tagging these devices onto a DC switch to reduce, or help quench any arc that might degrade the contact surfaces.

It is my understanding that the capacitors located on the generators, coils (proper) and voltage regulators were put there only as anti-static devices to help suppress electrically generated radio static, and not for the benefit of the device itself.

It was also my understanding that the truck wasn't equipped with these little capacitors unless a radio had been installed by the dealer or by the factory (if the factory did this!). While they might prolong the life of the regulator contacts, this wasn't their main purpose in life and running your rig without one probably wouldn't result in any premature regulator failure. Am I was off base on this theory?

Stuart