Overvoltage Protection System and Method

An electrical system for use with an alternator that supplies electrical power, an internal combustion engine including such an electrical system, and related methods of operation are disclosed. In one example embodiment, such an electrical system includes a first circuit portion configured to govern whether the power is communicated from the alternator system to a terminal associated with a battery and/or a load, and a second circuit portion configured to determine whether a voltage is elevated above a predetermined threshold and to provide a first signal upon determining that the voltage is so elevated. The electrical system also includes a third circuit portion coupled at least indirectly to the other two circuit portions. The third circuit portion is configured to provide a second signal upon receiving the first signal, the second signal being configured to cause the first circuit portion to cease allowing communication of the power to the terminal.