alternator output question
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Atoka, TN
alternator output question
was wondering if i put a 1200 watt power inverter on my truck ,would it be to much for the stock alternator? if so what route could i take?.........thanks
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by yard_dawg
was wondering if i put a 1200 watt power inverter on my truck ,would it be to much for the stock alternator? if so what route could i take?.........thanks
inverter(1200Watts)...should be in the specs. Then look at the nomminal output
rating of the alternator(in the manual specs). Of course u have the option of going to a larger alternator or dual alternators. What do u need that much
wattage for?
Nut
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by yard_dawg
was wondering if i put a 1200 watt power inverter on my truck ,would it be to much for the stock alternator? if so what route could i take?.........thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Slatington, PA
Originally Posted by cgl
It's basic math. A 1200 watt inverter at RMS will put out 10 amps @ 120vAC which will draw about 100 amps @ 12 vDC... I believe a stock alternator puts out 110 amps at full power.... So that'll leave 10 amps for your engine, charging system and all your accessories. I'm not sure what your system draws, but more than likely you'll be dipping into your battery reserve (if running the inverter at full power). If you're just running a laptop (1 amp @ 120vac = 10 amps @ 12vdc) you'll be just fine.
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by cgl
It's basic math. A 1200 watt inverter at RMS will put out 10 amps @ 120vAC which will draw about 100 amps @ 12 vDC... I believe a stock alternator puts out 110 amps at full power.... So that'll leave 10 amps for your engine, charging system and all your accessories. I'm not sure what your system draws, but more than likely you'll be dipping into your battery reserve (if running the inverter at full power). If you're just running a laptop (1 amp @ 120vac = 10 amps @ 12vdc) you'll be just fine.
Nut
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by twags6
Just to be on the safe side, you should always add some, around 5-10%. Figure on it drawing at least 110 amps from the alternator. If you'll be using this constantly, it might be worth looking into the second alternator.
Originally Posted by PSNut
Your right there cgl...Watts Law ....but i would like to add that there is some aditional conversion losses to account for so i would add some more amps to the total picture.
Nut
Nut
Last edited by cgl; Feb 13, 2006 at 08:47 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Utah County, UT
Originally Posted by yard_dawg
was wondering if i put a 1200 watt power inverter on my truck ,would it be to much for the stock alternator? if so what route could i take?.........thanks
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Mandeville, La
I dont think that you can practically run a 1200 watt inverter at full max load in the truck for long. 30 minutes or so, maybe.
It is too close to the engineering limits of many components. Your better bet may be a second alternator or a bank of batteries. The batteries do have to be charged, eventually.
It is too close to the engineering limits of many components. Your better bet may be a second alternator or a bank of batteries. The batteries do have to be charged, eventually.
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by goldman
Just a note, I beleive the stock alternator puts out 130 Amps. I was doing some headlight/fog light calculations today so that is how I came across that figure. LOL
Postmaster
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From: Utah County, UT
I would still but in some aux batteries w/isolator so you can use the inverter without concern of the truck starting. I built a battery tray that mounts to the frame rail underneath the bed on the passenger side. Right now I only need one battery but was going to put two in there when I was going to get a slide in camper, then we got a 5th wheel and don't really need it but it is sure nice to have to hook all my accessories to. I have a small 350W inverter for lights and Lap top.
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