Marine Electrical Systems USCG Q#236 (Set 8)

What is the correct name for a variable resistor wired in series with the shunt field for the purposes of manually controlling generator output voltage?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — rheostat

A rheostat is a variable resistor connected directly in series with the shunt field circuit of a generator, allowing the operator to manually adjust field current and control the terminal output voltage to match bus requirements.

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