Posts Tagged ‘12 volt alternator’

Is My Alternator 12 or 14 Volts?

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

A 12 and 14 volt alternator are the same thing. Alternators need to produce more than 12 volts if they are going to be used in a 12 volt battery system. The actual voltage regulator set-point is typically between 14.1 and 14.8 volts and that is why an alternator may be referred to as a 14 volt alternator instead of a 12 volt alternator. The battery needs to receive 14+ volts in order to maintain its charge.

The same rules apply for a 24 volt system. The actual voltage regulator set-point is typically between 28.1 and 28.6 volts and that is why an alternator may be referred to as a 28 volt alternator instead of a 24 volt alternator. The battery bank needs to receive 28+ volts in order to maintain its charge.

What is the Highest Output Alternator Available?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

That depends on whether you are looking for 12, 24, 36, or 48 volt alternators. I am only going to speak to 12 and 24 volt as they are the most popular.

For 12 volt alternators the highest output produced by Delco Remy is the 300 Amp 40SI. It comes in a Pad Mount part #8600298, J-180 short hinge #8600299 and J-180 Long hinge #8600300. The highest 12 volt produced by Prestolite Leece-Neville is the J-180 mount 4890JB and Pad Mount 4962PA both of which put out 320 amps.

When it comes to 24 volt alternators there are two manufacturers that really stand out – EMP has a 450 Amp ‘Power 450 Alternator’ and C.E. Niehoff has their 500 Amp C-803D.

There are many more to choose from but I decided to highlight these few select ones. The only thing to keep in mind when choosing that ‘High-Output’ alternator:

Higher Output = More $$$.