Niehoff alternator amperage question

[cryptofile]

Niehoff 1225-1 alternator specs show the standard HMMWV alternator as capable of 200 and 50 amps. See: https://www.ceniehoff.com/product.asp_Q_catID_E_152

What I'm wondering is how the amperage output is controlled and is it typical for this alternator to run with 200 or 50 amps of output.

 

[Coug]

output is just a factor of voltage. The more draw on the system the lower the voltage, the more the regulator increases output to compensate.

if you want to get technical, the voltage regulator controls the magnetic field inside the generator, as demand increases the strength of the field is increased by inducing current into the rotor (rotating portion of the generator) and thereby increasing the strength of the rotating magnetic field. The greater the field strength, the greater the output. As voltage goes down due to increased load, the regulator increases field strength, as voltage goes above the set point it decreases field strength.

That 50 amps of 12V is a portion of the 200 amps of 24V

 

[Mogman]

What Coug so eloquently stated in simple terms is the 24V tap has 200A available and the 14V tap has 50A

 

[papakb]

The output current from an alternator isn't controlled by the alternator but rather by the load placed on it. That current rating is based on the components designed into the alternator. Wire size, rectifier diode specs, stator windings, there are many factors that need to be considered but what they all mount up to is how much current they can product collectively, that and there's usually at least a 20% safety margin designed in.