Mechanical rectifier

(electricity) A rectifier in which rectification is accomplished by mechanical action, as in a synchronous vibrator.

A device which uses a synchronously operated mechanical switch to convert a single-phase or polyphase alternating voltage to a direct voltage. Single-phase mechanical rectifiers are made for small current output and are normally called vibrators. For large values of power where low voltages (less than 600 volts) are desired, the polyphase mechanical rectifier is used. This low-voltage device has higher efficiency than electronic rectifiers, which have appreciable voltage drop across the arc. These devices are not commonly used in power system applications. See also Rectifier.