Alternators - Shop

Alternator

An alternator is one of the more unknown components of the engine. It works as an electro-magnet together with the engine to recharge the battery by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. They are typically made up of an aluminum shell that has vents all the way round it to reduce the heat and then contained inside are all the windings. It is belt driven by the engine turning itself once running, so as long as the alternator is working and the engine is running you will maintain charge in the battery. It will tend to have a shorter pulley that on the engine in order to have it running at a higher speed then the engine, this helps the engine whilst idling. It also powers all of the electrical systems while the engine is running because it puts less strain on the battery and gives it a longer working life.

The size of an alternator would be completely dependant upon the vehicle it was going into and the electrical systems that it has to supply power to. For example, your average road car/van would have the usual lights, audio, heated screens; electric windows etc. and the sufficient alternator for this would be putting out 50-70 amperes.

You would notice that an alternator is faulty if your lights start to become dim even whilst the engine is running. The most common problems are caused from the alternator overheating and burning out the brushes or the slip rings. However the can also fail from the bearings, damage to the copper wires and also voltage drop