I don't understand how it will be harder on the alternator. Doesn't the alt simply put out its rated amperage regardless if the amp is drawing less or more?
So if the amp is drawing more that the alt can put out' date=' does the alt spin faster? wtf? I have no idea.......//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif
I don't understand how more amperage draw will make the alternator work "harder".[/quote']
Charging System Basics
Current Demand and Flow:If you have an alternator that can produce 120 amps of current (max) and the the total current demand from the electrical accessories (including the battery) is only 20 amps, the alternator will only produce the necessary current (20 amps) to maintain the target voltage (which is determined by the alternator's internal voltage regulator). Remember that the alternator monitors the electrical system's voltage. If the voltage starts to fall below the target voltage (approximately 13.8 volts depending on the alternator's design), the alternator produces more current to keep the voltage up. When the demand for current is low, the full current capacity of the alternator is not used/produced (a 120 amp alternator does not continuously produce 120 amps unless there is a sufficient current draw).
If the alternator is frequently getting "maxed out" and trying its hardest to keep up with the demand of the sound system and running the vehicle then it will have a shortened life. This is what happens when your headlights blink. The alternator can't put out enough current, the voltage drops, and you have a problem.