Alternators Selection: 1 Wire Vs. 2 Wire?

When shopping for a new alternator replacement, you might come across two terms “ 1 wire alternator " and " 2 wire alternator ".  So that begs a question: What do they mean ? What is the difference between a 1 wire and 2 wire alternator ? 1 wire alternator vs 2 wire alternator, which is the right choice for your vehicle? Today we discuss the pros and cons of 1 wire or 2 wire alternator, and why more and more people choose 1 wire alternators.

1 Wire VS. 2 Wire Alternator 

A one wire alternator uses an tiny amount of electricity to put and keep a very small magnetic field on the alternator, and spinning it up to a high speed to finally sense enough voltage to kick in a charge, very similar to a generator.

Two wire alternator has two wires, 1 is for key ON mains which receives the battery power through the ECM and conducts through the regulator and returns through the other wire to the light on the dash, which goes off once engine starts spinning the alternator.

Is a 1 wire alternator a good choice?

That depends on several things, but there are a few reasons why more and more people choose 1 wire alternators. 

Easy installation

It’s just common sense that connecting one wire will take less effort than connecting three wires. You just need to route the charge wire to the positive terminal on the battery. Just be sure the gauge of the wire is sufficient. A single wire alternator will require a heftier gauge wire than a standard original equipment 3-wire alternator. For 100-amp alternator, you should use at least a 6-gauge wire, and for a 200-amp alternator at least a 4-gauge wire.

Aesthetics under the hood

Especially for classic cars and collectibles, it’s important what’s under the hood looks good. For these cars, many owners prefer 1 wire alternators because they look cleaner and neater in the engine compartment with less wiring. Many owners of hot rods prefer 1 wire alternators because of the cleaner appearance.

Swapping out generators for alternators

Older models of vehicles that originally came equipped with a generator are good candidates for upgrades to 1 wire alternators. For instance, it’s common for owners of older tractors to use 1 wire alternators to replace generators.

Replacing discontinued models of alternators

If you’re replacing an alternator of an older model of vehicle and no one makes that specific alternator anymore, an one wire alternator may work in those situations. As an example, it may be hard to find OEM equivalent alternators for older tractors and older industrial machinery. In many cases, a 1 wire alternator may fit the bill.

Installing a multiple alternator set up.

There are times when more than one alternator will be installed for certain applications. In those cases, a 1 wire alternator works well because of the ease of installation and reduced need for wiring.

When not to install a 1 wire alternator

Of course, 1 wire alternators are not the ideal choice for every application. You should not choose a 1 wire alternator for any application that requires the original harness plug to be installed or anything with low RPM running engines.

Choosing One Wire Alternators For Industrial Machinery

Hex Auto Parts carries one wire alternators to generate electrical power for industrial machines. Our one wire alternators meet exact OEM specifications set by the manufacturer, so they will fit and perform as well as the original alternator that came with your heavy duty equipment. One-wire alternators are also recommended for replacing older alternators that are no longer produced. A one-wire alternator offers ease of installation with just a single wire to hook up.

Related Alternators Recommend:

• 110 AMP Ford 1 Wire Alternator
• 63 AMP 1 Wire Alternator