alternator load?

Question

I am thinking of putting an inverter on my car (small peugeot 106), to power some mains devices, I know it varies for cars and engines but how much wattage/load do you reckon I could cope with before worrying about exhausting the battery (with the engine running)? I don't know my alternators output, so if you have any rough ideas what would your estimate be?

Answer 1

Your alternator is not rated (in the automotive world) in watts, but rather amps.
Use OHM'S LAW to find the limit of the inverter draw, but I wouldn't ask more than a constant 50-60 A load.
The alternator is most likely capable of 80 or so Amps at 12 - 15VDC. More would be asking for electrical failure.
Go here------->

http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/ohmslaw.asp

…for a complete yet understandable discussion of Ohm's Law, and the formulas necessary to calculate your needs.

Happy Motoring