Going through alternators too quick. stereo system pulling alot of amps. volume goes up....volt gauge goes down.....what do i need to add? isolator? need solid advise...not guesses please.
2007-02-03 04:44:57 · 3 answers · asked by puzzled in reno 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
Something to consider...this is an example...
To calculate the current draw of an amplifier, multiply the total RMS watts by 2 to account for amplifier inefficiency (We'll say 1000 watts X 2 = 2000 watts), then divide by the average output voltage of an alternator, 13.8 volts (2000 divided by 13.8 = 145 amps). Since the average music signal requires about 1/3rd of the average power in a test tone, divide by 3 (145 amps divided by 3 = 48 amps).
This is an average approximation of current draw and it can go higher. So I would gather between *48 and 72 amperes for this example.
The alternator of a:
compact car is about 35 amps
mid-sized car is about 65-75 amps
SUV is about 145 amps
Calculate 40% of the amperes of the alternator you have now. This is the average current the car uses when running. Add this number to the approximate average current draw (*48), and you will come up with the mimimum average current required to power the audio system and vehicle. I would recommend going with the next highest rated alternator you can find or more accurately, multpily the final calculation by 1.3 for the alternator amperage required.
If the number you come up with is the same as what your alternator supplies, you need to take no action.
2007-02-04 14:13:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What size capacitor are you running? Have you tried an upgraded alternator, and battery?
2007-02-03 04:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by quickmirada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do u have an amp. that should do the trick although its a pain to rewire everything
2007-02-03 04:48:16 · answer #3 · answered by Marc A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋