Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 at 15:06
Gday wombat100
Do you mean "would that be unregulated voltage or would it be regulated???
The main terminal coming out the back of an alternator is connected directly to the B+ terminal on the battery so is definitely regulated voltage.
There is no unregulated voltages available from an alternator.
A small voltage difference at the base of a 100w globe or 130W globe will dull its colour temperature so effective light is less, not much but is less.
Because the 55w is not demanding so much current the voltage drop at its base is less, therefore it glows brighter with full cour temp happening.
At high alternator output eg at night. There has to be a drop in voltage between the alt terminal and the other end of its charge wire at the battery where light relays are usually connected.
So connecting light relays to the alt output terminal eliminates one source of voltage drop. This means the best to your globes no matter what wattage is used.
The difference between the alt or battery connection can be 0.4 or more sometimes depending on the wire size the maker used, how long it is, how secure the connections are and how much current is being asked to flow through it. 0.4v will dull a 100w globe slightly.
We are just talking about getting the most for the least here. Less cost, less amps, less heat, but good lights.
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