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Technical => Electrics, Audio and Security => Topic started by: Sweet Shock on November 04, 2013, 05:33:25 PM

Title: Alternater light
Post by: Sweet Shock on November 04, 2013, 05:33:25 PM

Hi I was wondering, Can I get any type of pilot light for my Alternater dash light or does it have to be a certain type. Thanx Pete

Title: Re: Alternater light
Post by: ethyl on November 04, 2013, 06:22:32 PM

I would think any low wattage 12 volt light would be OK. the current from the globe is an exciter for the alternator
they will actually work without the light on the dash once the engine revs

Title: Re: Alternater light
Post by: willo on November 04, 2013, 06:23:36 PM

Quote from: Sweet Shock on November 04, 2013, 05:33:25 PM

Hi I was wondering, Can I get any type of pilot light for my Alternater dash light or does it have to be a certain type. Thanx Pete

G'day Pete,
An alternator light needs to have some resistance to excite the charge circuit.
So, the answer is yes, any pilot light will work.  BUT (always a but isn't there  ;))
if you use an LED light you will need to wire in a resistor as LED lights have very little resistance.

Cheers
Neil

Title: Re: Alternater light
Post by: Sweet Shock on November 04, 2013, 07:20:05 PM

Whats the worst than can happen if I used one of those chrome/red ones from supercheap. Thanx for the info,  Pete

Title: Re: Alternater light
Post by: Sammy on November 05, 2013, 06:15:36 AM

if your referring to the chrome bezel / red LED, then that is what im using on my Gemini for alternator light, it seems to work fine for a commodore alternator.

Title: Re: Alternater light
Post by: Sweet Shock on November 05, 2013, 10:08:08 PM

Thats the one. thanx Pete