Confusing altenator problem

Kwakerman said:

Potentially you could damage the alternator as the bulb/resistor limits the excitation current flow in to the alternator, also when it is running the 12v generated by the alternator excitation wire (that puts the light out) would then be fed straight back on to the switched 12v supply line and if excessive current is drawn from that supply it could damage the rectifier pack in the alternator that is used to generate the bulb 12v. There are normally nine diodes in the alternator, 6 are high current ones that convert the 3 phase 'main' power from AC to DC for battery charging and general running, the other 3 are low current ones for the warning lamp system and it is these three that could be damaged if there is no bulb/resistor to limit the current.

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