dkfmmuc Apr 9, 2015:

You didn't miss anything I only tried to figure out that I was a bit clueless about the source text. I *think* that the colleague should ask the customer. I only know a "Selbstzünder" as a Diesel-combustion engine.

But the source of the ASKER stated "Drehstrom" (!). I am not aware of any electric motor moving by itself without any energy given.

That was my point and idea for the asker.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Please accept my apologies.

Richard Stephen Apr 9, 2015:

Am I missing something? How did 'Selbstzünder' get in here?

Richard Stephen Apr 9, 2015:

Maybe I should have said SOME British (and especially Germans who claim to be using 'British' English) tend to use hyphens excessively. I've seen things like 'self excited-motors' and so forth.

gangels (X) Apr 9, 2015:

There should be a comma Direct-powered, self-excited, self-regulating motors

Lancashireman Apr 9, 2015:

excessively? Excuse-me!

dkfmmuc Apr 9, 2015:

Kunden fragen! Ich würde meinen, dass beim AT etwas durcheinander geraten ist. Deshalb klingt es so seltsam. Eigentlich gibt es ja einen Selbstzünder. Allerdings nur als Verbrennnungsmotor (Dieselmotor). Ein Generator (Dampfkraftwerk, Wasserkraftwerk, Windpark etc.) wird ja immer angetrieben.

Auch beim Abbremsen von Drehstromfahrzeugen kann Strom entstehen, dann wirkt der Motor als Generator.

Alles in allem: Da fehlt was im Source-Text.

Richard Stephen Apr 9, 2015:

@ Armorel American usage tends to leave out hyphens - British usage tends to use them excessively even where they don't belong. I would tend to use a hyphen between a participial adjective and the word modifying it (i.e. self-excited) however it is not mandatory in America.

Ramey Rieger (X) Apr 9, 2015:

Good morning Claudia! First of all thank you for the hearty laugh! The term is truly amusing! But that doesn't help your issue, I know. Auto-igniting?