How To Wire An Alternator As A Generator
Having your own electric generator is an advantage, especially during emergencies or power outages.
A generator need not all appliances in your house. You can have one that could supply energy to the most basic necessities for survival. Or, you can have a DIY generator that you can use to power some home equipment to lessen your monthly bill.
There are a variety of tools and energy sources that you can use and tap for a DIY power generator. Here, we will share the method on how to wire an alternator as generator.
What Is An Alternator?
An alternator is an element of a car charging system, along with the battery and the voltage regulator. It converts mechanical energy into electrical energy called alternating current.
The alternator supplies such energy to a vehicle’s electrical components such as lights, airconditioning, clock, power windows, among others.
It is typically near the front of your car’s engine. The alternator is mounted using two brackets bolted to a specific point on the engine. One of the brackets is fixed, while the other can be adjusted to tighten the drive belt.
How To Convert An Alternator To A Generator
With the alternator’s capacity to generate electricity, it can be used as a household generator. Knowledge of how to wire alternator generator is vital.
Things You Need
- Lawnmower engine
- Automotive alternator
- Alternator bracket
- Belt (alternator belt)
- Car battery
- Bolts and nuts
- A board or a rolling cart
- Pulley for engine
Instructions
- Attach the motor to your base.
- Connect the alternator bracket to base.
- Attach the alternator to bracket. Place the bolt and tighten.
- Connect the battery cables to the positive and negative terminals of the alternator.
- Add the battery to your device.
- Connect the positive and negative cables to the correct terminals on the battery.
- Add the 12-volt direct current (DC) to the 110-volt alternating current (AC) power inverter(s).
- Connect the leads from the battery, then attach the power output leads. You can also wire this directly into the breaker box. Or, you can attach a cord with outlets so you can use the generator portably.
It is important to note that making your own generator should be done with caution. Always take precautionary measures when working with electronics to avoid injury. You will need basic electrical skills and knowledge to pull off a project such as this.
If you are very keen to do this project but lack skills, do not hesitate to ask the assistance of an expert.
You can consult a qualified electrician to assist you or check your output, or if you want to hook your generator into the grid.
Conclusion
Home-built generators, even the low-voltage ones, can be very useful in emergency situations. Storms may knock the power off the grid. However, when you have a 12-voltage generator, you will have your essential electric appliances working until the electricity is restored.
If you are taking steps towards self-reliance, setting up a full-blown household power generation system could be one of your dream projects. It may all start with knowledge on how to wire an alternator as a generator. We hope that what we shared here will be a useful insight for your endeavors.