The key differences between alternator output versus rpm are in their overall functions and measurements.
The alternator output ranges help to determine if the alternator is good or bad. For instance, an alternator output of around 14.2 volts is considered to be good.
In contrast, if the output is lower than 14.2 volts, the alternator is not putting out enough voltage to charge the battery sufficiently.
Alternator rpm (rotation per minute) helps to determine if an alternator is functioning properly at certain speeds. For instance, alternators have a standard range of operations. This means the majority of alternators need to spin with the following parameters.
- At idle, spin at about 2400 rpm
- The maximum output is above 6,000 rpm, not to exceed 18,000 rpm
Contents
What should my alternator output be?
Since a failing alternator can leave you stranded on the side of the road, you need to know the warning signs that indicate that there is a problem.
And, you will need to take care of any issues as soon as possible. For instance, If you want to know if your alternator is in good condition, you need to make sure that its output is within a certain range.
This is one of the best ways to find out if the alternator is charging your battery while you are driving.
With that being said, if you are reading a multimeter, the numbers should be around 14.2 volts (14.2 to 14.7 volts) when the alternator is good.
If the reading is less than 14.2, this means that the alternator is not charging the battery as it should. Therefore, your battery is most likely dying, and it is only a matter of time before it will get progressively worse.
On the flip side, if the voltage is over 14.7, this means your alternator is overcharging your battery. Unfortunately, overcharging your battery can also be a huge problem since it will not only run the battery down but also your alternator, too.
What should my alternator output be at idle?
When you are checking the output of your alternator, you need to know exactly how to perform this test. Because the voltage should be different based on the circumstances, you are expected to get different output readings.
For instance, when an alternator’s output is tested at idle, the output can be significantly different. Typically, when the car is tested at idle, the voltage should be about 13.5 to 14.5 volts of output.
It is also important that the headlights and other accessories are completely turned off to get the right voltage.
On the other hand, if the output is low, a voltage of 12.5 volts or less, this is a sign that the alternator has a problem charging.
Even though the problem may not be identified immediately, you will still need to use your troubleshooting techniques and strategies to find it.
Does engine RPM affect alternator output?
Yes, as many people may already know, higher RPMs usually result in greater output. This increase, however, that people get is usually like a curve shape instead of linear.
This simply means, that as rpm changes, the output from the alternator will increase and decrease accordingly.
Do alternators charge more at higher RPM?
Yes, whenever you rev up the engine, the rpm will begin to get faster. Therefore, if you want your battery to charge faster, you may want to rev up the engine a couple of times to speed up the process.
For instance, when the crankshaft turns, the belt that operates the alternator will turn at the same rate.
As a result of this increase in speed, the alternator will begin to produce more electricity to recharge the battery quicker. This additional electricity will also be used to run everything else that depends on the alternator.
Conclusion
If want to know if an alternator is good or bad, you need to know to learn as much as you can about alternator output and rpm.
Because both measurements determine if your alternator is in good condition or bad, you will have a chance to replace it before your car fails to start.
