VR

abbreviationShop talkRailroad

The voltage regulator component on a diesel-electric locomotive.

The voltage regulator on a diesel-electric locomotive. It monitors and controls the output of the auxiliary generator to maintain a steady 74-volt direct current for charging the batteries and running the low-voltage control circuits, regardless of the main engine's rotational speed.

Heard on the job

The auxiliary generator is putting out way too much juice, so have the shop check the VR before it cooks the batteries.

Also heard as

  • voltage regulator