How many amps does a typical car alternator produce?

The power that can be produced by an alternator is determined by the alternator rating. The output of the alternator ranges from 40 Amp up to 120 Amp. For high-amp alternator, it can generate up to 300 Amp. Commercialized alternator is usually 12 V.

Is it okay to use a lower amp alternator?

You will do no harm installing a higher output unit as the amps are on demand. Now if you install a lower output unit then you will have issue with the battery not being fully charged and the alternator not supplying the required power and the car running more off the battery. This will leave you stranded.

Which way does an alternator spin?

Rule of thumb. If the engine rotates clockwise, which it does, then any pulley driven by the inside of the belt rotates clockwise, and any pulley driven by the backside of the belt turns counterclockwise, like the water pump.

What should the pulley ratio be on an alternator?

In order for the alternator to spin fast enough to produce the power necessary at low RPM, the pulley ratio should be correct. Changing the crankshaft pulley or alternator pulley will vary this ratio. For most vehicles the ratio should be at least 3:1.

How many amps does an alternator produce?

In modern cars alternators have outputs between 70 and 180 Amps! especially when catalytic converter systems with heating elements etc are used. Sometimes alternators are water cooled as well (BMW 150 Amps). Wattages may vary between 980 and 2520 Watts !

How many Watts Does a 1kW alternator use?

Smaller vehicles (or with less electrical options like adjustable suspension, electric power steering, electric seats, electric heating elements everywhere etc) can have really small alternators like 1kW. Normally alternators pump out 80 to 100 amps X 14 volts = 1120 to 1400 watts. Varies as per the car.

Is a high output alternator bad for your car?

That is, your alternator will only supply the amount of amperage a particular component demands—and no more. So high-output alternators will not harm your components or charging system, no matter how high you go with the amps. What Gauge Wire Do You Need?