[Rectifier Ra-36-J,k,l]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

______________
£V/. //~ Document
Reserve
WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL
NON-CIRCULATING
RECTIFIER
RA-36-J, K, L
WAR DEPARTMENT 8 JUNE 1943
NTsU LIBRARY

WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL
T M 11-951
RECTIFIER
RA-36-J, K, L
WAR DEPARTMENT • 8 JUNE 1943
For Sale by Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C.
Price 10 Cents

TECHNICAL MANUAL TM 11-951
NO. 11-951
RECTIFIER RA-36-J, K, L
CONTENTS
PARAGRAPH
SECTION I. DESCRIPTION
General....................................................................................... 1
Power .......................................................... ,.............. 2
Output.................. :................................................................ 3
List of Component Parts.................................. 4
SECTION II. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Initial Procedure............... ................. ...................... 5
Installation.................................... 6
Preparation for Use................................................................... 7
Electrical Connections................................................ 8
Battery Connections................................... ............................. 9
Operation ................ 10
If Bulbs Do Not Light................................................................. 11
SECTION III. FUNCTIONING OF PARTS
Control Boards....................... 12
Power Transformer........................... 13
Filter Reactance Coil......... ....................................................... 14
SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE
Upkeep ....................................................................................... 15
SECTION V. SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Table of Replaceable Parts....................................................... 16
Page 1
SIGNAL CORPS TM 11-951
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Fig. 1. Exterior View of Rectifier RA-36-(*).............................. 3‘
Fig. 2. View of Rectifier RA-36-(*) with Cabinet Door Open
Showing Interior................................................................. 4
Fig. 3. Back View of Rack FM-30 Showing Filter Reactance and
Cabinet BE-75..................... 6
Fig. 4. Rectifier RA-36-(*) Circuit Diagram.......................... 9
DESTRUCTION OF ABANDONED MATERIAL
IN THE COMBAT ZONE
In case it should become necessary to prevent the capture of this
equipment, and when ordered to do so,
DESTROY IT SO THAT NO PART OF IT CAN BE SALVAGED,
RECOGNIZED OR USED BY THE ENEMY. BURN ALL PAPERS
AND BOOKS.
BY:
1. Explosives, when provided.
2. Hammers, axes, sledges, or whatever heavy objects are readily
available.
3. Burning with gasoline, oil, paper, or wood.
4. Grenades and shots from available arms.
PROCEDURE:
1. Obliterate all identifying marks. Destroy nameplates and
circuit labels.
2. Demolish all panels, castings, switch- and instrument-boards.
3. Destroy all controls, switches, relays, connecting means and
meters.
. 4. Rip out all wiring in electrical equipment. Smash water-cooling,
gas and oil systems in gas-engine generators, etc.
5. Smash every electrical or mechanical part whether rotating,
moving or fixed.
6. Break up all operating instruments such as keys, phones,
microphones, etc,
7. Destroy all classes of carrying cases, straps, containers, etc.
DISPOSAL:
1. Where possible, and when time permits, bury all debris or dispose
of it in streams or other bodies of water.
SAFETY NOTICE
Operation of this equipment involves the use of voltages which are
dangerous to life. Operating personnel must observe all safety regulations
at all times. Do not change fuses or make adjustments inside
of equipment with voltage supply on. Keep away from live circuits.
Page 2
TM 11-951 RECTIFIER RA-36-1*) PARAGRAPH 1
SECTION I. DESCRIPTION
1. General
Rectifier RA-36- (*) is a compact charging unit for charging tele- .
phone switchboard storage batteries. It may also be used for charging
vehicle storage batteries. The rectifier has two separate charging
circuits, one on the right and one on the left. Each of the two charging
circuits has separate ammeter and control boards as shown in
Figure 2.
RECTIFIER RA-36-JRACK FM-30j
EffiEEjga lOhL—- A-G PLUGjl
UWOMT Rny BE-75
i Hi wjf ® III I %
ylN B ™|I
FILTER REACTANCE .3
4? . ....... v ......................... . .
Figure 1—Exterior view of Rectifier RA-36-C*)
(*) Wherever this sign is used the equipment will be issued with
suffix letters J, K or L.
Page 3
PARAGRAPHS 2-4 SIGNAL CORPS TM 11-951
MOUNTING
15 AMPERE FUSE
BRACKET
TUNGAR
BULBS
AMMETERS
COURSE
ADJUSTMENT
PLUGS
BOARD
AC PLUG
AC CONTROL
SWITCH
Figure 2—View of Rectifier RA-36-(*) with cabinet door open, showing interior
2. Power
Rectifier RA-36-(*) is designed to operate from 110-volt, 60-cycle,
single phase, alternating current.
3. Output
Each of the sections or sides of Rectifier RA-36- (*) has an output
of 6 amperes (half wave) and because both sections are fed from
the same transformer, they are used simultaneously to give 12 amperes
of full wave direct current for battery charging service.
4. List of Component Parts
Rectifier RA-36-(*) includes the following major components:
2 Ammeters Weight .25 lb. each
2 Bulbs, Tungar 6 amp. Weight .4 lb. each
1 Capacitor Weight .3 lb. each
Page 4
TM 11-951 RECTIFIER RA-36-1*) PARAGRAPHS 4-8
2 Fuses, 15 amp.
1 Fuse Block
2 Plugs, Fine Adjuster
2 Plugs, Coarse Adjuster
2 Plugs, Boards
1 Filter Reactance
1 Receptacle and Cap
1 Switch
1 Power Transformer
1 Terminal Board
2 Sockets
The weight of Rectifier RA-36
Weight .2 lb. each
Weight .5 lb. each
Weight .05 lb. each
Weight .05 lb. each
Weight .3 lb. each
Weight 63.5 lbs. each
Weight .4 lb. each
Weight .02 lb. each
Weight 60.00 lbs. each
Weight .06 lb. each
Weight .25 lb. each
(*) is82pounds.
SECTION II
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
5. Initial Procedure
If Rectifier RA-36-(*) is to be used as a separate unit, it will be
packed in an individual packing case. Remove it carefully. Avoid
damaging the instruments and Tungar charging bulbs which are
included in the unit package. Take bulbs out as soon as possible and
lay them aside carefully to prevent breakage.
6. Installation
Select a clean dry place (not over batteries) for installing, preferably
on a wall or bench and away from dirt, moisture and battery
fumes. If a wall is selected as a location, first drive two No. 12 screws
into a solid point at the same height as the keyhole slots in the mounting
bracket at the top and back of the rectifier cabinet. Insert a third
screw at the bottom and in the place provided for it. Install the filter
reactance coil close to Rectifier RA-36-(*) and in series with d-c
charging leads. When Rectifier RA-36-(*) is assembled on Rack
FM-30, the filter reactor and Cabinet BE-75 are also mounted on
the same rack. This assembly is in itself a complete charging unit
with circuit breakers for overload protection. Rack FM-30 is also
provided with Case CS-73 (a sturdy shipping container for transportation
between points of service). When Case CS-73 is set in
position for service, expose the equipment for use by first removing
the slotted hexagon head machine screws on two sides and near the
bottom of the case. Then lift the cover upward and clear of the apparatus,
leaving Rack FM-30 mounted on the base of Case CS-73. The
cover can then be used as a table or support to raise the equipment to
a level convenient for operation.
7. Preparation for Use
Before making any electrical connections, be sure that the a-c
supply circuit to which the rectifier is to be connected is 105 to 125
volts, 60-cycle, single phase as shown on the rectifier name plate.
8. Electrical Connections
If you are sure that a-c supply and name plate are in agreement,
plug the a-c line connection, which is a rubber covered 2-conductor
cord (with two-prong male plug) extending from the right hand
side of Rectifier RA-36-(*), into Cabinet BE-75. Plug the d-c charging
lead which is a rubber covered 2-conductor cord (with two-prong
Page 5
PARAGRAPHS 8-9 SIGNAL CORPS TM 11-951
male plug) extending from the left hand side of Rectifier RA-36-(*)
into the charging receptacle provided on the power panel of Switchboard
BD-90 or on Switchboard BD-98. Test the tightness of the fuses
used on Rectifier RA-36-(*) (which are 15 ampere and are located
as shown on Figure 2) and be sure that they are firmly screwed in
place. Adjust the tap on the primary control board (see Figure 2)
to agree with the voltage of the a-c supply line. To reach the primary
control board, open the door on the front of the rectifier. The door
is held in the closed position by a spring fastener on the right hand
side. Screw both Tungar bulbs firmly into the large sockets and
attach connecting leads with clip to the wires on the top of the bulbs.
9. Battery Connections
a. Before attaching charging leads to batteries, turn the rectifier
switch to OFF and remove all four adjustment plugs. Insert the
coarse adjustment plugs on both sides of the rectifier in the holes
numbered to correspond with the voltage of the battery to be charged
divided by six. Thus the setting for a 24-volt battery would be No. 4
hole and for a 48-volt battery would be No. 8 hole. These figures indicate
the number of equivalent 6-volt, 3-cell batteries. Be sure that
the plugs are pushed in as far as they will go. Battery equipment for
Switchboard BD-98 is 24 volts. .Battery equipment for Switchboard
BD-90 is 48 volts.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS’’*’*^^ RA-36'j’^W
iH7 i \ । ■
\ / J : I
... Ha-c plug Ml
’ I I
SCX BE-75
FILTER REACTANCE |||- Rff Ih^SmI B ' ** ^1 «■''
f I zzIJa imi
B |UM|Kfi||M^| M%3i
Hr IBFwrr-
...........
Figure 3—Back view of Rack FM-30 showing filter reactance and Cabinet BE-75
Page 6
TM 11-951 RECTIFIER RA-36-(*) PARAGRAPHS 9-12
NOTE: THE FINE ADJUSTMENT PLUGS ARE NOT INSERTED
AT THIS POINT.
. b. Check the following:
(1) The control switch is turned OFF.
(2) Both bulbs are screwed firmly into the sockets.
(3) The connecting leads with clips are attached to the wires on
top of the bulbs.
(4) The fuses have been inserted.
(5) The coarse adjustment plugs are inserted in the proper hole
as far as they will go.
10. Operation
After making sure that neither fine adjustment plug has been
inserted, snap the control switch to ON and both the bulbs should
light. If both bulbs light, insert the fine adjustment plugs in the
holes marked LOW. (See paragraph 11 below for procedure to follow
if bulbs do not light.) The charging rate of the right hand circuit
will be indicated by the ammeter on the right, and the charging rate
of the left hand circuit by the meter on the left. If the charging rate indicated
on an ammeter is less than one-half of the desired charging
rate, first turn off the control switch and'move the fine adjustment
plug of its associated circuit, which is on the same side, to MEDIUM
or if necessary to HIGH. If still unable to obtain a charging rate as
high as desirable, but less than 6 amperes as indicated on each ammeter,
turn off the control switch and move both coarse adjustment
plugs to the hole of the next higher number, and proceed as before.
Normal operation is established when both ammeters read one-half
of the desired charging rate, and no excessive ripple or hum is caused
in the telephone circuits.
RATES HIGHER THAN 6 AMPERES PER CIRCUIT SHOULD
NOT BE USED AS THIS PRACTICE WILL MATERIALLY REDUCE
THE LIFE OF THE BULBS.
11. If Bulbs Do Not Light
If when turning on the control switch, the bulbs do not light proceed
to find the cause as follows:
a. See that the a-c supply is on.
b. Examine the line supply fuses. If these are blown out or defective,
replace them with new 15 ampere fuses.
c. Make sure that the bulbs are screwed well into the sockets. A
bulb screwed in loosely often causes trouble and may result in short
life of the bulb.
d. Examine the contacts inside the socket. If they are tarnished or
dirty, clean them with sandpaper.
e. Try a new bulb if one fails to light. The old bulb may be defective.
SECTION III
FUNCTIONING OF PARTS
12. Control Boards
One control board on each circuit is for coarse adjustment of the
charging rate and one for fine adjustment of the charging rate. Both
coarse and fine adjustments are made by means of inserted plugs as
indicated on Figure 2. '
Page 7
PARAGRAPHS 13-15 SIGNAL CORPS TM 11-951
13. Power Transformer
a. The power transformer used in Rectifier RA-36-(*) is of the
insulated type; that is, the primary and secondary windings are entirely
separate and insulated from each other. The advantage of the
use of such an insulated transformer is that a telephone battery can
be charged while it is being used to operate a telephone system or
switchboard without interfering ground connections being introduced
by the charging equipment.
b. The power transformer primary winding is provided with taps
to compensate for fluctuations in a-c line voltage. These taps are
indicated on Figure 4 showing proper tap for operation on 105,115,
and 125 volt lines.
14. Filter Reactance Coil
Because of the fact that rectified alternating current does not
have a straight line characteristic and would cause a disturbing hum
in telephone circuits if applied to a telephone battery while battery
was being used for the operation of telephone equipment, a filter
reactance coil is installed in series with the d-c charging lead to
absorb hum or ripple. '
SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE
15. There are no continuously moving parts in Rectifier RA-36-(*).
Therefore, no routine care is required other than that of keeping the
equipment clean and dry, replacing burned out fuses and bulbs and
repairing damage caused by accident. Other than this, the equipment
will most likely have to be returned to higher echelon for repair if
it goes bad. Field repair or replacement of the transformer is not
practicable.
Page 8
TM 11-951 RECTIFIER RA-36-(*) FIGURE 4
TAPED OVER
TAP FOR USE
ON 40 V
CIRCUIT
FUSES -15 AMP
BULB CAT. 189049 BULB CAT. 189049
PLUG BOARD
END
START
PLUG
BOARD
AMMETER
TYPE 0-7
AMMETER
TYPE 0-7
SINGLE
CONNECTOR
[TAPED OVER)
END
STAR!
SEC. ST.
FIG. 6 CONNECTIONS OF 115 VOLT TUNGAR
FOR TELEPHONE BATTERY CHARGING
I CAPACITOR 2 MFD
- CAT. 55X185
D.P.S.T.
SWITCH
CAT. 235685
ST. if
END
ST.
END
Figure 4—Rectifier RA-36-(*| circuit diagram
Page 9
PARAGRAPH 16 SIGNAL CORPS TM 11-951
Function
Filter out ripple in
charging current
2 element rharoincr — ---------
tube
Voltage supply
Bulb protection
Batterv rharorinor
connection
Charge rate control
Charge rate control
DATA
Part or
Mfg. No.
Cat.
3126680
Cat.
189049
Cat.
yy3i6
Cat.
55X185
Cat.
489353
Cat.
44815478
Cat.
55X151
f>t-
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Z
Mfgr.
G. E. Co.
G. E. Co.
•
G. E. Co.
G. E. Co.
G. E. Co.
G. E. Co.
G. E. Co.
ON V. SUPPLEME
Description
Heavy coil on iron core
enclosed
Glass bulb with screw
base—6 amperes
Tapped coil on iron core
—open type
Metal case capacitor—2
microfarad—330 V.A.C.
Bakelite strin
Bakelite plug panel—
15 plug holes
Metal plug with chain—
Bakelite handle—fine
adjustment
SECTI
laceable Parts
Name of Part
Filter Reactance
Tungar Bulb
Power Translormer
Capacitor
Terminal Board
Plug Board
Plug
16. Table of Rep
Sig. Corps
Stock No.
-
Page 10
TM 11-951 RECTIFIER RA-36-C*) PARAGRAPH 16
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