Condenser on Voltage Regulator

[Mark Norris]

Anything with electrical contacts that frequently make and break will act as a spark radio emitter hence the voltage regulator, oil pressure sender unit, ignition points and fuel tank level sender each have them fitted to suppress sparks at the internal contacts to a) prevent radio wave emissions that would cause interference, and b) prevent the contacts from burning out or being spark eroded. The capacitor acts as an grounding point for any fast changing voltages (eg. when a contact makes or breaks). Strangely the engine temperature sender doesn't have one despite the fact the original KS units work on the same bimetallic contacts principle.