Alternator and LiFePo battery question
What percentage of an alternator's rated output is it safe to run at a steady charge rate? 50%?
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
Duty cycle is usually 1/3
Example 120 amp alternator--continuous load 40 amps.
Don - Is your rating what you feel a standard gas engine alternator should be capable of? I ask because I have Leece Neville 165 amp heavy duty alternators on a lot of equipment with diesel engines Nodwells and Tucker Snocats). 33% of 165 amps would be about 55 amps. When running them in the late fall or winter with all of the lights, heaters and engine fans on, I can easily pull 90 to 100 amps. If I'm using the electric winches, I'll run more than that. I haven't had an alternator fail yet, but your post made me curious.
Bill
