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Re: Alternator vs. generator

To: pringlmm@mcmaster.ca, mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Alternator vs. generator
From: REwald9535@aol.com
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 20:32:03 EDT
Generators produce DC current (what your cars electrical system is) 
Alternators produce AC current which must be changed to DC before it goes out 
to the cars electrical system.
Alternators are lighter smaller and produce more power (what's not to love?)
All modern cars use alternators.  
The government has required that parts of a car carry standard nomenclature 
(what Ford calls a widget Chevy will also call a widget)  Makes sense right?  
However in a wonderful spot of insanity that only your government could 
supply... In SAE standard J1930 anything that makes electrical power in your 
car is called a "generator". So I guess on who you talk to they are the same 
thing or not.  Gotta love it.
Rick Ewald

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