How much free W?

[Zorro]

I'm planning on putting some extra lights, and was wondering how many is too many?
2x130W? 4x100W? How much can the stock alternator (95amps, if I'm not mistaken) take in addition to normal running current?

 

[gbadgley]

Watts divided by volts = amps.

 

[4x4junkie]

The stock alt doesn't quite put out 95 (even though it's "rated" at that), it's probably more like 75A or so at 2500 RPM.

4 100W lights shouldn't be a problem for it though.

FWIW, most of the wattage ratings of lights are at 12 volts. At 13.8-14.4 volts (typical with the engine running), the watts will be higher (probably around 130W for a "100W" lamp).

 

[Zorro]

Watts divided by volts = amps.

No shit.

What I'm wondering is how much the truck uses to run in stock form ... so then I can figure out how much available Watts I have. If you guys say I should be good with 4x100W, I will be fine with the 2 lights I picked up today. Hella 500FFs, will upgrade them to 100 or 130W asap.

 

[gbadgley]

If you are going to max out the system you may as well but a few alternators, you'll need them, they don't like to run maxed out for very long.