Alternator having an external ignition protection system

An alternator including an external ignition protection system comprising:

• a shaft rotatable about an axis, the shaft including a slip ring end;
• a slip ring support mounted at the slip ring end of the shaft;
• at least two slip rings mounted to the slip ring support;
• a slip ring cover mounted over the at least two slip rings, the slip ring cover including an annular lip and defining a slip ring cavity;
• a first slip ring end housing arranged axially inwardly of the slip ring end defining a slip ring support cover surface which supports the slip ring cover, the first slip ring end housing including a first plurality of openings that extend through the slip ring cover support surface, a plurality of grooves formed on the slip ring cover support surface that extend radially inwardly from the first plurality of openings, wherein the first slip ring housing includes a central shaft opening and an annular groove that is receptive of the annular lip of the slip ring cover, the first plurality of openings being positioned between the central shaft opening and the annular groove;
• and
• a second slip ring end housing arranged axially outwardly of the slip ring end, the second slip ring end housing including a second plurality of openings, the first slip ring end housing, slip ring cover and the second slip ring end housing defining a labyrinth flow path that provides an air flow through the slip ring cavity and prevents passage of ignition inducing elements from the alternator.