Author Topic: altenator ac output  (Read 1008 times)

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Offline ddrink

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altenator ac output
« on: September 05, 2005, 11:31:16 AM »
Anyone know how to test the altenator output on the three phase system?  And what voltage I should be getting?

Offline TwoTired

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Re: altenator ac output
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2005, 03:59:35 PM »
There are three legs of the alternator output (yellow wires).  Measuring the AC voltage should give you three voltages.  You should use test equipment where you are able to differentiate whether the output is RMS or Peak AC levels.

The RMS AC voltage must be 2 times the peak battery voltage plus 1.4V (to forward bias the 2 diodes) in order to create positive flow into the battery.  Peak battery voltage desired is 14.5 VDC Times 2 = 29V. Add 1.4V and you get 30.4v AC RMS.  This voltage will be higher when the alternator is not under full load, but must be no lower when it is under full load.  *Peak* AC voltages should measure around 30% higher.  I would check this voltage with a known fully charged battery.

Both the load and RPM will effect the alternator output voltage readings.  The AC readings may be much higher when the alternator in NOT under load.
The charging speed is listed as 1000-9000 RPM in the Honda Manual, with the rated output being at 5000RPM (200 watts, or 12V@ 16.67 amps).

Be aware I have not had occasion to measure the AC voltages of an SOHC4 alternator.  What is written here is based on my understanding of circuit theory and physics.
Cheers,

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline kghost

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Re: altenator ac output
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2005, 04:17:24 PM »
Good answer twotired!
Stranger in a strange land

bike54

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Re: altenator ac output
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2005, 04:40:02 PM »
i agree with two tired the only thing i would add to get the peak value of a rms voltage multiply the rms by 1.414 this will give you peak if you want peak to peak just double the peak voltage

merv