Altenator Amperage?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Sequim, WA.
Altenator Amperage?
Greetings Everyone...I don't have an ammeter so I am hoping someone knows what the amperage output of a stock altenator for my truck might be. (See my signature below for truck specs).
I am thinking it is 70 amp, but don't know how to tell without an ammeter. Is there a way to tell by just looking at the altenator?
Thanks Guys/Gals,
Pete
I am thinking it is 70 amp, but don't know how to tell without an ammeter. Is there a way to tell by just looking at the altenator?
Thanks Guys/Gals,
Pete
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The alternator amperage is a measure of how much current it's rated to produce - not how much it's actually producing at any given time. The alternator only produces the amount of current as instructed by the voltage regulator (internal or external depending on the year). As such, you wouldn't be able to determine its rating by measuring the output current.
Note, however, that you would not want to put your handheld multimeter in series with the alternator output anyways. Many are rated for 10 amps or less, and not all are fused. Not to mention, performing this kind of test around all that grounded metal is a recipe for disaster.
Your best bet would be to try and find it stamped on the alternator housing, as suggested above.
Note, however, that you would not want to put your handheld multimeter in series with the alternator output anyways. Many are rated for 10 amps or less, and not all are fused. Not to mention, performing this kind of test around all that grounded metal is a recipe for disaster.
Your best bet would be to try and find it stamped on the alternator housing, as suggested above.
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