• ShadowRam@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Because it’s a main source of active power that can be re-directed.

    A battery on an EV can be too, in which case the main contactor should be verified disconnected prior to any software update. But typically people don’t refer to that as the ‘engine’.

    So prime mover encompasses engines and main batteries.

    • Mr_Blott@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      So the motor on a fuel based car is the prime mover, but the battery on an electric car is the prime mover, rather than the motor?

      I’m guessing then that you would call the tyres the terrestrial contact devices? 😂

      • ShadowRam@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Yes. The primary source of power.

        It’s not like I’m making shit up out of thin air. This is typical nomenclature for safety systems.

        If you have an air system, the prime mover would be an pressurized air tank or accumulator.

        Properly recognizing the prime movers of a system and defeating them correctly is part of safety.