Dual alternator usage.

[Tosh Henderson 0]

When you build a set up that gets beyond just ho alt and batts and you step up to dual,triple etc alternator how is it wired? Do you run the output from second alt to secondary batts? or does it feed into the system another way? Where do you run the ground? Just wanting to know the general outline of this type of install. Yes I used the search function but no complete answer/understanding.

[ssh 924]

There's a couple different ways:

When running 2+ alternators, you can use one at 14.4v(although most will sit around 15v)) for your stock electrical, starting battery, head unit.

The second and/or rest of the alts can be set to 16v for a 14v battery(s) or 18v for a 16v batter(s). These batteries would be completely isolated from your stock electrical, they could be a large battery bank in the rear of the car for just the amplifiers.

Some amps aren't stable on 16v or 18v, so you have to check with the manufacture, but the upside is increased power.

Or you could run 2+ alternators all set at 14.4v for stock electrical, battery bank, and amps. This is easier since nothing is separated.

But when running multiple alts you have the choice to use some for stock electrical and some for amps with a higher voltage. This is handy because then you don't need to use step-downs if you have a single alt but want 16v or 18v.

The case of an alternator is the ground, when it's mounted everything else in the vehicle (chassis, battery negative terminal, etc) is grounded to it (alt case).

Hope that helps.

[Tosh Henderson 0]

yes this helps, think i got it. just clear this up for me i can have 2 14v alts that run through my wires i have now correct? i have 270a mechman with 0 gauge wire and the big three . so if i add another ho alt i can connect it to the same points the other is connected with additional wire, or run straight to rear batt bank right? sorry if im sounding confused. thnx

[ssh 924]

yes this helps, think i got it. just clear this up for me i can have 2 14v alts that run through my wires i have now correct? i have 270a mechman with 0 gauge wire and the big three . so if i add another ho alt i can connect it to the same points the other is connected with additional wire, or run straight to rear batt bank right? sorry if im sounding confused. thnx

Yes you can connect the second alt to where the first alt connects to your batteries (whether it be your front battery or all the way to the rear). I would run a few strands of 0gauge from the alts to the batteries though.

If your running multiple alts, your likely running large amp(s) and pulling massive current, thus needing more wire for carrying current.

[Tosh Henderson 0]

yes this helps, think i got it. just clear this up for me i can have 2 14v alts that run through my wires i have now correct? i have 270a mechman with 0 gauge wire and the big three . so if i add another ho alt i can connect it to the same points the other is connected with additional wire, or run straight to rear batt bank right? sorry if im sounding confused. thnx

Yes you can connect the second alt to where the first alt connects to your batteries (whether it be your front battery or all the way to the rear). I would run a few strands of 0gauge from the alts to the batteries though.

If your running multiple alts, your likely running large amp(s) and pulling massive current, thus needing more wire for carrying current.

Got it. Thanks for the imfo.