can my crappy $50 multimeter from homedepot test my alt's max output?

[RJesus 10+ year member]

I'd like to find out how many 'watts' my alternator puts out at idle and at max output (2k rpm)

What setting should I put my multimeter on, and whats the formula to figure it out in watts?

or do you need some real tools to measure it...

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[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Nope, you need to have a 'load tester'. Put simply, the measuring device has to be able to put a load on the alt so it throttles up it's output.

 

[blazeplacid 10+ year member]

at some auto parts stores they can load test you and tell you how many amps

then from there you can convert amps to watts