140 amp Alt

[Nukedsodapop 5,000+ posts]

No0b question: What is the maximum wattage I could run with a 140amp alt? Do i need to find an amp that draws less current?

Im needing around 2000 watts...

thanks

-Blake

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

you're needing 2000watts????

buy a bigger alternator if you're truly "needing" that much power.

 

[Nukedsodapop 5,000+ posts]

ttt

 

[pd298 10+ year member]

It doesent all revolve around the alt. Get a good battery, do the big 3, and a big alternator. I think it would handle 2000.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

there are people successfully running that much power on smaller alts, but it depends largely on attention to detail when installing, and your listening habits.

 

[knukonceptz 10+ year member]

I ran close to 4000 watts on a 90A Alt with 5 batteries for over a year, then added an adjustable voltage regulator for SPL events. Do the math:

Volts x Amps = Watts

volts = 14.4

Amps = 140

14.4 x 140 = 2016W

Or

Watts/Volts = Amps

2000 / 14.4 = 138.8888

Your battery will certainly cover the slack, your safe with a 140A Alt

 

[davidwm88]

The problem with that is that you will not get 100% power from your alternator MAYBE 60 and the amp isnt 100% effiecent.

 

[knukonceptz 10+ year member]

Correct, no amp is 100% efficient, BUT you better get 140A out of a 140A ALT. You see comparing efficiency of an amp vs ALT is different. You know how many ampere an amplifier can consume based on fuse rating. You do not know what the potential of ampere the ALT can make vs its loss in heat.

Now with a 140A or 200A ALT - that better be what they are producing or your being lied to...period. A 200A ALT may be 80% efficient (this is totally just an example) BUT it is still making 200A. Just like an amplifier that is properly rated, you know there is still some inefficiency but it still makes its rated power

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

You know how many ampere an amplifier can consume based on fuse rating.

It should also be pointed out that an amp that CAN draw - let's say 100A - on a test bench during a sine wave power test isn't going to need more than 40A or so playing music at HIGH volume. Possibly 20-30A at "normal" volume.

 

[suisidle 10+ year member]

find out if the alternator gets its full potential at idle or does it take 3000rpms or so to achieve it. it may be 140amp but it might only recharge at a 60amp rate at idle

 

[davidwm88]

I didnt mean that it wont put out 140 amps just that you cant get 140 amps JUST for your stereo. About 60 % will be free to power the stereo and the rest to power every other elerical thing in the car.