5 Benefits of a High Output Alternator

Most people are unfamiliar with high output alternators, but they can be very useful for producing the maximum charging power in a vehicle. They’re particularly good for motorsports where the demands on an alternator can be very high. Where more amperage is needed, a high output alternator can make for the ideal solution so the car isn’t continually undercharged.

No Dead Batteries

Where an alternator undercharges the car, it’s all too easy to end up with a dead battery. This will happen when a number of different devices pull ampage from the alternator or if the vehicle is operating in a particularly high-performance environment. It’s also liable to happen if accessories are left on while the engine is idling.

A high output alternator is built to cope with these demands and is designed to provide enough charge to power everything in your car without excessive effort. Many high output alternators deliver an output of up to 200 amps which will provide enough power without depleting the battery. Excessive output can lead to a dead battery when you try and start the car again.

Extreme Audio

Cars with large sound systems require high output alternators because large amplifiers and subwoofers use high levels of power. Every 100 watts of audio output requires 16 amps of power, so a heavy-duty system is going to make demands that are far beyond the capacity of a standard alternator.

A high output alternator which can produce between 140 and 225 amps is ideal for this. It’s possible to buy alternators with an even higher output with many starting at around 200 amps which go up as high as 300 amps. These will be able to take care of the most demanding accessories on an engine.

Off Road

Off road vehicles, especially those which carry a large number of lights, can benefit from high output alternators. The extra lights can draw more power than most standard alternators can handle. Similarly, a vehicle equipped with a snow plow will require a high output alternator since it produces a big drag on the electrical system.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles, whether police or ambulance, require high quantities of power in the engine. They also have to run more items such as flashing lights and emergency medical systems. In previous times, these vehicles used regular alternators but they needed to be replaced quite regularly. A high output alternator can handle high electrical demands and doesn’t need to be replaced as often.

Hardwearing

Where alternator replacement becomes an issue, a high output alternator becomes a very economical answer. It may cost more initially but the subsequent longevity means that it pays for itself in other ways. It even saves a fair amount of money in the long run. High output alternators also tend to be more efficient than their regular counterparts and dissipate heat more evenly so the alternator doesn’t become too hot.

High output alternators employ heavy gauge wiring which ensures more of the current passes through to components. This contributes to the efficiency of the alternator as well as helping eliminate the possibility of undercharging.