It wasn't until I added a 12V electronic ignition did my generator light start to glow at times because it pulls more amps than the other 12 volt components combined. Some components I've added go through a 6 to 12 volt converter such as my radio, fuel guage, electronic ignition, LED backup light licence plate frame. The last car in production on the planet still using a 6 volt electrical system until IFA went to a 12 volt alternator in 1984. In my case, I had added several components to my 1981 Trabant 601. Not saying 6V electrical systems are better than 12V systems, but if someone can explain why 12 volts became the standard other than getting by with smaller wiring, then I'd like to hear it. Who knows maybe one of these days 24 volts will eventually become the new standard in automotive electrical systems if the price of copper goes out the roof. I suppose at some point automakers figured if they doubled the voltage they could use less copper and save money. So you can get by with using smaller wiring. The only bad thing I can really say about 6 volt electrical systems is bulbs are typically more expensive and the lack of modern components available for 6 volt systems like radios.īut because the voltage is doubled, the amps drop in half. Are their electrical systems really any better than what we use? Just because they double their voltage? The United States uses 110V AC at 60 HZ where other countries use 220V at 50 HZ. Also 6V electrical systems haven't been used in years so by now, there is lots of resistance in the system due to corroded connectors anyway. It's not the voltage but the fact most generators produce low amps (~30 amps) and don't charge well (if all) at idle or low engine speeds. I think 6 volt automotive systems get a bad wrap. The thickness of the wire has to do with amps, not voltage. The only thing you do not have to do when going to 12 volts is replace the wiring since doubling the voltage will drop the amps in half. This is OK if you have a donor car or access to all the parts but if not what is a cheaper, easier, yet just as effective alternative? Go with a 6 volt alternator! The problem with doing this is, you have to change just about every component (or install drop down resistors), and bulbs. Most people will just swap out the generator for a typical 12 volt AC Delco 10-SI alternator. So you have an old car that has a 6 volt electrical system and you want more electrical power.
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