One-wire vs 3-wire Alternators

As I was working thru the challenges of wiring my project, the title subject was needing a good source of info. This may help in old or new charging system design. http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire3.shtml

 

ya. always go with a 3 wire. i just did mine. not hard attttt all. a 3 wire set up is really a 2 wire set up. because you just jump one wire anyways! So 2 wires to the battery and the other to a dummy light then to ignition signal. and your done! its a no brainer.

nice post. im sure this topic will be searched in the future for years to come.

- Steven

 

I work for a fleet operation,and do tons of electrical repair--and also have a side business doing auto wiring.So ,I've done tons of "2 wire" and 1 wire alternator systems.Like what was said in the MAD article, 1 wire systems were used on stuff like tractors,backhoes,etc with minimal electrical demands.1 wire alternators work OK on systems where the battery is close to the alternator,but I still prefer the 2 wire system:better system control,more componant life,and easier parts locating: you can find a 10si GM alternator ANYWHERE!Also,I've seen parts failures because of the 1 wire regulators cooking other internal parts in the alternator,mostly the diode trio.I can't say exactly why,but seems like more parts failure compared to the 2 wire type. I used to do all the tri-5 guys stockers--converting generators to alternators,using 1 wire unit,because it was a simple bolt-on,easy hook-up--and these guy could convert back to gen. in about an hour,if they wanted to.
All that said, what the hell is an extra wire,when everything is factored in--the 2 wire will work better,last longer,and can be replaced easier than the 1 wire.

 

i couldnt agree more, man up and run the wires, i dont even put 1 wires on unless i have to any more.

 

I've been posting links to Mad electrical for years and I'll take this opportunity to once again thank who ever it is that keeps that site, with valuable information, available.

I have also tried, off and on for years, to purchase some of their products but there doesn't seem to b anyone there...

If anyone has more information on how to contact anyone at Mad electric I would like to know...

 

This is from their Ordering & shipping page...
Sorry for the recent delays with shipping orders in this month of August 2004.
In the last few weeks Mark Hamilton of M.A.D. Enterprises has not been feeling well, and we are far below the normal pace with work here at M.A.D.