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.
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.
