Home > categories > Electrical Equipment & Supplies > Other Electrical Equipment > Calculating The Correct Alternator For My Sound System?
Question:

Calculating The Correct Alternator For My Sound System?

How do I calculate (using mathematical equations) the load of my equipment to support and find the correct alternator and battery for my vehicle? I'm looking for an in-depth equation that explains what I have to find from the equipment specifications to the mathematical part evolved. I want to make the right choice for my vehicle without any word of some salesman to sell me a product with little to knowledge of the product they are selling.

Answer:

Power (watts) Amps x volts and Voltage Amps x Resistance are the two basic formulas
Ideally , you want an alternators output amperage to be equal to the maximum amperage draw of all of your amplifiers plus about 40 amps to run the rest of the electrical equipment in your car. So if your amplifiers draw 150 amps at full power you would want a 190 amp or larger alternator. If you can not get a alt. that large , extra batteries can help fill the gap. The rule of thumb for batteries is one cca of battery power per watt of amplifier power.

Share to: