Can you connect an alternator directly to a battery?

Can you connect an alternator directly to a battery?

Attach a cable directly from the alternator output post to the positive side of the battery. This allows for full output from the alternator to the battery when heavy electrical demands are placed on the alternator. Wire the alternator controls.

How much horsepower is required to turn an alternator?

How much power does it take to run an alternator? An alternator typically takes about 1 HP (horse power) for every 25 amps of power generated. So, a 100 amp alternator will require about 4 HP at full output. Most alternators do not operate at full output for very long.

What happens if battery voltage is too high?

In order to push energy into the battery, a higher voltage of about 14 volts is created. Higher than 15 volts indicates a fault in the charging system’s voltage regulator or related circuits. If it’s substantially excessive, this can cause electrical system and/or battery damage.

How high is too high for alternator?

For some alternators, it’s normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. For others, it’s normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. Still, it’s perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently.

How do you know if your alternator is overcharging?

Symptoms of Your Car Alternator Overcharging:

1. Car Battery Voltage Gauge Reading is High. You notice a high voltage reading on your cars vehicle’s dashboard.
2. Car Battery Gets Hot When Charging.
3. Your Headlights Burn Out Quickly.
4. Your Car Battery is Bulging on Sides.

What will cause a alternator to overcharge?

Improperly jump-starting the vehicle can send a surge through the battery that destroys one or more cells in the battery or shorts it out. This surge disrupts the wiring in the alternator, causing an overcharging condition.

Will check engine light come on for bad alternator?

If you’re driving the vehicle when the alternator goes out, the vehicle will eventually stall. On modern vehicles, an undercharging charging alternator may result in an illuminated check engine light. It may also cause all kinds of problems with the onboard electronics and computer controls.

How long will a car battery last with a bad alternator?

In this situation, the battery could last as little as 30 minutes. If you are lucky and could get up to two hours. Note: In case you have to start the car without an alternator, don’t turn off the engine once you’re going.

Is it bad to drive with a bad alternator?

When an alternator is going bad, the battery drains quickly. If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.