<div class="htmlview paragraph">To provide the engine with the appropriate charging, cranking and ignition systems requires a proper understanding of the electrical equipment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the function of these systems, pointing out the design features that are required to give proper electrical performance and to provide adequate life in the varying environmental conditions. Present designs will be reviewed along with the forward thinking which engine builders should be considering for future applications on farm, construction, and industrial equipment.</div>