How an Alternator Works

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Part of the video series: Basic Automotive Wiring

Summary: Automotive wiring and alternators. Learn how a car alternator manages circuits in this free video clip.

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By Robert Wilkins
eHow Presenter

Robert has been a Alarm technician and owner for 10 years. read more

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jaymes3 said

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on 8/2/2008 I think this video is very informative for the consumer is trying to learn the very basic on automotive wiring.

on 8/2/2008 Actually what the alternator does is convert the mechanical energy into "current" (AC) voltage, just like a generator. The AC is then converted to DC with rectifier diodes. This video makes it sound like an alternator converts AC to DC, actually it produces electricity from the turning of the engine which is used to keep the battery charged. The Alternator actually is the only source of AC in the vehicle.

Video Transcript

"Now to power the vehicle of course once the vehicle is started, the current must alternate. You have what is called an alternator and it converts alternating current to direct current. Every automotive industry vehicle in North America uses direct current. The alternator converts alternating current to direct current which supplies 12.5 volts to the entire electrical system. Over here we have another box with relays in it. Some circuits exceed the fuse rating and they need more supply. What it does is it converts low current through the relays into high current to supply circuits to the power accessories inside the vehicle. "

eHow Article: How an Alternator Works