CharlieWaffles
Well Known Member
I have heard that a good planning base line is that your amperage load shouldn't exceed 80% of the Alternator output. According to the Vertical Power planning tool my load is at 52.6 Amps and the stock alternator on my engine is 60A. The 80% puts the max at 48A.
However, my load includes several ACCESSORIES that will not necessarily be used regularly or for extended period of time. For instance, I have two accessory power plugs (cigarette power plugs) to be able to charge a phone, ipod, etc... I have those down for 2 Amps each. So right there I'm at 48A if they arent used. While other things are short period - landing lights, taxi lights, etc... But they are not truly intermittant (flap motor, trim servos, etc...)
So, is it worth selling the stock alternator and buying a 70A alternator to cover ALL these items and assume they are in use at all times?
However, my load includes several ACCESSORIES that will not necessarily be used regularly or for extended period of time. For instance, I have two accessory power plugs (cigarette power plugs) to be able to charge a phone, ipod, etc... I have those down for 2 Amps each. So right there I'm at 48A if they arent used. While other things are short period - landing lights, taxi lights, etc... But they are not truly intermittant (flap motor, trim servos, etc...)
So, is it worth selling the stock alternator and buying a 70A alternator to cover ALL these items and assume they are in use at all times?