High Amp Alternators
Everybody knows the importance of a car battery, but what’s less thought about is that the battery is not actually responsible for the car’s electrical system when it’s on – only when the car is off does battery power come in. When the car is on, the alternator fuels all of the car’s electrical applications. Basically, the alternator runs like a generator, giving power to the headlights, speakers, heat, or whatever other applications you might be running. It is even responsible for keeping the engine running properly. But the generic alternators that come with most new cars are only so powerful – easily strong enough to run the car’s appliances, and a couple low-power ones of your own, like a TV. But if you need a consistent source for a lot of energy, you will need to consider upgrading your car’s electrical system, and replacing your alternator is the most important part of that process.
The most popular reason to upgrade to a high amp (or high output) alternator is for music. For people who need their music to be heard across the neighborhood, a high amp alternator is necessary to bring the music to life. A very good custom stereo can take about 130 amps to power it, while many stock alternators top out at about 60 amps. This will begin to tax your battery, which can permanently damage it after too long. And eventually, some part of your electrical system will stop functioning properly altogether.
While stereos are the popular cause to upgrade an alternator, there are literally hundreds of reasons to get a high voltage alternator. You could need to run a lot of applications at the same time, the sum of which is too taxing for your current alternator. Trucks and SUV’s, in particular, are known for needing a very high amount of electricity to perform a number of tasks. In this case, a high amp alternator is perfect for coaxing more power through your system. Without one, running any additional electricity, whether it be trailer lights or simply a few TV’s in the backseat, will tax your power supply further than what it can hold.
Replacing an alternator is not a simple or inexpensive process, as most auto makers design alternators specifically for different models to take up the least heat, energy and space possible. Replacing your alternator with a high amp alternative is a hard thing to do, because it will probably be bigger and hotter than your original. If space is a problem, then both of those things can become huge issues. The best bet is to choose a large case alternator and consult a professional or expert for advice and/or help with its installation.
It is also very important to shop for a high-quality alternator. The cheap alternators available take liberal shortcuts with the construction and parts included. They can put an extra strain on your car, get too hot, or begin having problems after a while. Getting a high-quality model will be more expensive in the short-term, but skimping on the alternator can force you to turn around and buy a high-quality one in a few months anyways.
The most important part of shopping for an alternator is to consult with an expert for advice. Because so many manufacturers make alternators with different designs, it is important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Most mechanics, especially of smaller companies, will be extremely helpful with the promise of you future business, and that advice can save a good amount of money, as high-end models usually cost between $100 and $200.
