Final answer:
The removal or modification of the stabilizing resistor in a voltage regulator of a shunt-wound generator can cause a high voltage condition. This resistor is crucial for maintaining the output voltage, and without it, the system can become unregulated and dangerous.
Step-by-step explanation:
Removing or modifying the stabilizing resistor in a shunt-wound generator system's voltage regulator can lead to an undesirable high voltage condition. This occurs because the stabilizing resistor plays a critical role in balancing the output voltage. If this resistor is bypassed, altered, or becomes defective, it could result in a situation where the output voltage is not properly regulated, thus exceeding safe or design limits. For instance, if the resistance is too low, it might not adequately drop the voltage or current within the regulator circuitry, leading to overvoltage situations. Overvoltage can be hazardous as it may lead to equipment damage, insulation breakdown, or even create safety hazards such as electrical shock or fire.