Is a High Output Alternator Required for your Vehicle?
If your car:
- Uses heavy-duty audio systems like stereos, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers
- Has upgrades, like seat warmers, air conditioning, or electric windows
- is a high performance vehicle like a motorsport or off-road vehicle
- is used for camping or supplies power to power tools
- is an ambulance or police van
then a high output alternator is almost always required. This means, that the demand for power is high, and you risk the potential for a dead battery or false battery diagnoses if you don’t have a high output alternator installed. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of the road and you don’t want to throw away money paying for a new battery that you never needed.
Damage Caused due to High Output Alternator
Great news, you’re less likely to encounter a dead battery, or electrical issues if you don’t require one and choose not to use one. But in this day in age, it is often the case in which a consumer will either utilize sound systems, air conditioning, seat warmers, or even just electrical windows and would benefit from a high output alternator. If you have concluded you really don’t need one, but you use it, it can actually damage the cables and battery if you put in an alternator that isn’t required, or one that doesn’t meet the demands of your car. You could also damage electrical system and components if you don’t have the right cables or mounting equipment for your high output alternator.
About How Many Amps?
60-70 amps is the average electricity required for standard automotive alternator output on most commuter vehicles. A high output alternator will generate roughly 200-300 amps of electricity. While a higher generated output seems appealing, it can cause electrical components to fail if your vehicle doesn’t require that much support. Most regular vehicles are designed to have a specific alternator installed, so switching to a high output alternator may not be compatible. Generally a high output alternator is supposed to meet an energy demand above 100 watts. Maybe your vehicle doesn’t require one yet, but why not modify your vehicle to your personal tastes to make your workload easier, or your commutes more bearable? Look into a installing LED lights to make your everyday commutes more enjoyable. As you notice the difference, toy with the idea of installing other accessories and devices, and as your electrical demand increases, you’ll be happy to go with a High Output Alternator.