Will a 130 Amp Alternator Cause Problems with 10 Amp Rating of Battery Isolation Solenoid

Updated 01/03/2014 | Published 12/30/2013

Question:

We recently purchased a Battery Isolator Solenoid #PK5231201 for my 2012 Nissan Armada with a 130 amp alternator. Some discussion on your website talks about maximum of 100 amps? If I hook this up to the positive side of the main battery am I going to have problems?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

As long as you install the Battery Isolation Solenoid, # PK5231201, correctly (see photo) and the items you are powering on the battery isolator output circuit does not draw more than 100 amps you will not have any problems.

In most cases the battery isolator is installed on the charge line going to a trailer connector at the back of a vehicle and this circuit is used to maintain the trailer batteries charge and/or power utility lights in or on the trailer. In this situation your alternators 130 amp output will not have an affect on the battery isolator.

If you were to install the isolator inline on a power wire that is used to provide power to a high amperage item, like a large electric winch, that draws more than 100 amps, then you would overdraw the battery isolator and have problems. In this type of situation you would want to use circuit breakers with a high enough amperage rating for the item winch you are powering.

expert reply by: Robert G