Alternator amp output
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=17956
Printed Date: July 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Topic: Alternator amp output
Posted By: jpilson21
Subject: Alternator amp output
Date Posted: August 22, 2003 at 2:54 PM
Has anyone run into this problem - not having enough alternator power for a custom stereo system install?
I want to install a system that has (2) amplifiers. The max RMS of these total 1000 watts, which means I would need about 75 to 80 amps from the alternator to power them safely. Since the audio system should not draw more than 1/3 of the total alternator output, this means an additional 150 to 160 amps is needed for all other electrical needs. So it appears I need an alternator that produces around 230 amps of power. But my factory Dodge Ram alternator only puts out a total of 117 amps. Assuming my info and math are correct, does anyone have suggestions on this problem?
Replies:
Posted By: l7sdime
Date Posted: August 22, 2003 at 8:47 PM
im not sure about 230 amps because i know a guy who is runnin a kx1200.1 which in my opinion is a good and powerful amp and he is runnin a 160 amp alternator with a farad 1.0 capacitor. i dont know if that will help but that wil give you a idea of how much you have to put out. Wes
Posted By: speedwayaudio1
Date Posted: August 22, 2003 at 9:20 PM
go ahead and get a 250 amp alt. you got a truck and you need the power for your system, and other stuff like wenches and cb radio, kc lights, neon, navagation, etc...... it will cost some bucks ,but you will be glade you did. Trust me it's worth it.
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Big Dave
Posted By: c.c.
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 9:29 AM
check out ohio-generator. they make alternators for a lot of applications.
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toyota echo...perfect sound named vehicle
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 10:47 AM
You should get a 200 amp alt. 120 amps for the truck and 80 for the system
Posted By: l7sdime
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 11:34 AM
Im not tryin to steal your forum jpilson21 but id like to ask quick question about my alternator. I am gonna be runnin two kx1200.1's how muc hshould i rewind my alt. for?? over 230?? Thanks. Wes
Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 12:14 PM
l7sdime it depends on your car but your two kx1200.1's alone will use about 200 amps at max draw.
Posted By: eurotek
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 7:33 PM
if you rstock alternator is 117 amps, and you need an additional 80 amps,, why do you say you need an additional 150-160 amps to power electrical stuff? next, there is no such rating as max rms... rms is rms there is no minimum or max.. with your math you would need an alternator of approx 200 amps
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