[resolved] alternator and batt question

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:27 pm

ok, i need for someone else to explain so that i may pass the info along when a second battery is needed and when a larger alternator is needed. i need to prove to someone that a second battery does not mean an upgraded alternator is not needed.

basically i got into an argument today with someone who believes that if you add a second batt. you dont need a bigger alternator..what would help this argument is if someone could point out the point at which your audioi system exceeds the limit of the stock alternator. just for s&g lets assume a 100 amp alternator.

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:29 pm

Well...your alt now has to charge 2 batteries instead of just the one. I think thats enough info right there.

tedd

dmeyer07 · Post by **dmeyer07** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:30 pm

Well if your alternator is already strained, and they thing that adding a second battery or third or fourth :) etc.. will solve their problems they are wrong!

All its going to do esentially is add strain onto the alternator, becasue now it not only has to charge the first battery and provide power for the sound system,and other things, but it now has another battery to charge.

It'll help for when the cars off, thats about it...

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:32 pm

THANK YOU!! i knew i wasnt a complete idiot....for the most part

dmeyer07 · Post by **dmeyer07** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:38 pm

lol np.. don't you hate that when some one argues like that... and you know your right but they won't listen.. i sure do

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:52 pm

yea the other argument is about wire. this guy thinks the world of 8 guage and thinks noone needs any bigger than 4.......not many do but the need exists. he is of the opinion that anything larger than 4 will just add resistance and heat and not be of any benefit to any one regardless of amperage draw.....

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:54 pm

Umm...tell him to take an electronics course and STFU. Larger wire is like a larger pipe for water to flow through. The bigger it is, the easier the water/current will flow. DUH!

tedd

lotas · Post by **lotas** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:08 pm

yeah my hood was open once and my uncle saw my 2awg wire and notified me that its bigger than the wire going into a house, and how unneccesary it was. He is the type that "knows everything" and is never wrong...so no use trying to explain the difference between DC and AC, resistance, length and gauge, amperes and current, etc.

not an uncle by blood, thank god.

MobileAudio219 · Post by **MobileAudio219** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:28 pm

smoker wrote:ok, i need for someone else to explain so that i may pass the info along when a second battery is needed and when a larger alternator is needed. i need to prove to someone that a second battery does not mean an upgraded alternator is not needed.

basically i got into an argument today with someone who believes that if you add a second batt. you dont need a bigger alternator..what would help this argument is if someone could point out the point at which your audioi system exceeds the limit of the stock alternator. just for s&g lets assume a 100 amp alternator.

I know a few people like this... All you can really do is tell them how to do it the RIGHT way, if they choose not to listen than eff them, let them do it the WRONG way...

Ryan from Ohio · Post by **Ryan from Ohio** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 3:52 am

Just tell them like this:

Second Battery spiel-

Look your alternator cant properly power this system. If it doesnt already have enough leftover current to run the system and charge one battery how can it charge a second. Yes it will work for awhile with the added second battery but what about when it drains low? Then the alternator will fry due to excessive charging...

Wire-

This is simple electronics. The more amperage the larger diameter needed. The larger the diameter the more current it can handle and the least amount of resistance. These are the facts, this is the truth- there is no other way around it.