[DeTomaso] Electrical questions--HELP!

[Thomas Tornblom]

SOBill at aol.com skrev:
> Think of it like this:
>  
> All of the vehicle loads are connected directly to the  alternator.
>  
> The alternator is connected to the battery thru the  ammeter.
>  
> All the current flowing from the alternator thru the ammeter, when  the 
> ammeter reads plus, goes into the battery.
>  
> A new load, like a fan, is connected from the  battery positive terminal to 
> the chassis.
>  
> When the alternator output voltage is greater than the battery  voltage the 
> alternator charges the battery AND supplies current to the new load.  This 
> current flows from the alternator thru the ammeter in the plus  direction. The 
> ammeter reads the charging current into the battery plus the  current into the 
> new load.
>  
> Conversely, when the alternator current is less than the battery  voltage, 
> the ammeter does not indicate that current is flowing from the battery  into the 
> new load, which is connected directly to the battery, because the  current 
> into the new load comes directly from the battery and does not flow thru  the 
> ammeter.
>  
> All vehicle loads should be connected to the alternator side of the  ammeter. 
> When connected this way, the alternator will supply all the load  current 
> independent of the ammeter and the ammeter solely indicates current  flowing into 
> or out of the battery.

The only exception is the starter, which by design always takes the 
power from battery, and would be too much of load on the ammeter.

Other acceptable loads might be keep-alive wiring for stereos or fuel 
injections, the clock, or maybe an alarm. That would allow for the 
installation of a battery switch for added safety or insurance reasons, 
without loosing the settings or time. These loads are so small that they 
will not show on the ammeter.

>  
> SOBill  Taylor
> sobill at aol.com

Cheers,
Thomas