|
Return to
Tech Support
Understanding Alternator Needs
Do
you need more current?
Most
car audio systems today will probably have more than one amplifier and
an extra battery or maybe a large stiffening capacitor. If this sounds
like your system set-up you may want to consider an alternator change to
increase the current output. The alternator is the source for all the
electrical power your car uses. No matter what storage devices you have
in extra batteries or capacitors, all the power that is consumed by your
car and your system comes from the alternator. Are you overstressing
yours?
Car
companies do not make money by offering more than is required to operate
the cars they manufacture. Alternator current output is no different.
Stock alternators are designed to produce just enough to operate the
car, as it is equipped from the factory. So, when you add any
accessories that require additional electricity that will need to be
produced by your alternator.
We
are not telling everyone that has installed a system requires an
alternator upgrade, but there are some signs you may be noticing such as
dimming headlights, unexplained amplifier shutdowns, and slower starter
cranking speeds. The bad news is that even if you don’t see these
signs you may want to consider upgrading the alternator because of the
detrimental effects to your system if enough power is not supplied.
Lack
of power is not just measured by voltage. You must also consider
current. When we speak of power we are considering both. Lack of an
adequate supply of power to your system can cause such problems as
damaged amplifiers, blown speakers, and distortion. It can also affect
the life of you main battery as well as the extra battery if you have
one by inadequate charging. But, the real damage is in the system. Lack
of adequate power to the amplifier can cause the amplifier to go into a
clipping condition, which can cause damage to the speakers and cause the
amplifiers to produce more heat because it must work more. The heat that
builds up inside will shorten it’s life. So, how much did you invest
in your system? Protect your investment by paying close attention to
providing enough power to your system.
Without getting into a
lot of detail of alternator designs, heat is the killer. The main
component affected by the heat in the alternator is the rectifier. It is
also the main source for producing heat and is what fails when affected
by heat. One way to protect the alternator is by shielding it from the
engine heat. The alternator is located by the engine, a major producer
of heat; produced from the radiator, exhaust manifolds and engine block.
The alternator will be affected by this heat in combination of the heat
produced by operating. The combination of these two heat sources may
cause the alternator to overheat.
To
decrease the source of heat from the engine you may try shielding. To do
this it is suggested that you purchase a sheet of aluminum, available
from your local hardware store. Form it around the alternator and attach
it to the engine. DO NOT ATTACH OR TOUCH THE ALTERNATOR. This will help
direct the heat around and away from the alternator reducing the killer
heat. Also, stay away from pretty plated chrome or gold alternators. The
plating prevents heat dissipation causing the alternator to hold more
heat in. Remember, heat kills!
When
replacing your alternator with a high output alternator, be sure you
understand the specifications. One to watch for is output as it pertains
to current (amperes or amps) output. Be sure that the specification
shows the output current based on RPM. The higher the RPM the higher the
current output. A stock 62 amp alternator can produce over 100 amps if
the RPM’s are high enough. A good manufacturer will spec the current
output at 1500 to 2200 RPM.
If you have any
questions, send us an email. techsupport@CarDiscountStereos.com
|
