Home » Articles » Automobile Electrical System - A Condensed Overview

Automobile Electrical System refers to the set up within a vehicle that supplies electricity to the crank for starting and running the engine. Additionally, it powers the lighting system and other electrical gadgets within the automobile.

An automobile's electrical system typically comprises starting motor & controls, batteries, wiring, electronic ignition, generator and voltage regulator,and electronic fuel metering.

Today's cars however are much more sophisticated and house a computerized electrical system and a lot many devices such as radios and sound systems powered by the electrical system.


The fundamental components of a car's electrical system is the battery. It's the battery coupled with an alternator that supply electricity. The battery houses electrical charge to start the car. The alternator on the other hand produces electric current while the engine is running, thereby recharging the battery and also producing the power needed to run the remaining electrical devices.

Automotive Electrical System Components

There are a number of parts that work in tandem to make the whole system work. Some of these essential components are described below.

Armature

Armature is the principal power-producing component of alternator, generator, dynamo within the car's electrical system. An automobile armature's role is twofold. First is to generate an electromotive force and secondly to carry current crossing the electrical field, to create the necessary shaft torque.

Automobile Battery

Automobile batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that meet all of the automobile's electric energy. The batteries usually refer to SLI battery used in powering the Starting - Lighting – Ignition systems including starter motor, the lights, engine. However, they may refer to traction batteries, which are the primary source of power for electric vehicles. Automotive batteries typically provide a 12-volt potential difference by connecting six galvanic cells in series. Batteries produce electric current when due to chemical reactions inside it there a flow of electrons through the conductors. There are several types of lead-acid batteries in use today, such as Calcium-Calcium, Wet/Flooded, AGM, MF, GEL, VRLA, Vlies, Hybrid, etc.

Automobile Ignition System

Ignition system refers to an arrangement of automotive components which work together to ignite the a fuel-air mixture inside the engine's cylinder. When it was invented for use in internal combustion engines, a flame, or a heated tube, was used to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Later, however these were replaced by systems that made use of an electric spark. Timing is critical for their effective functioning, if the timing of that spark is missed even by a small fraction of a second, it would cause the engine to malfunction. Several types of ignition systems exist, some of the most common types are Distributorless ignition system, Electronic ignition system and Point-type ignition system.

Automobile Starting System

An automobile's starting system is perhaps the most critical of an automobile's electrical system. Once the ignition switch is turned on the starting system comes into play. Beginning with the automobile's battery, a small amount of charge flows to the Starter Selenoid via the Neutral Safety Switch. This action enables a flow of high currant to the starter motor through the battery's cables. Consequently, the starter motor cranks the engine and the combustion cycle begins.

Automotive Electrical Wiring

Automotive electrical wires are a single, cylindrical, elongated string of drawn metal, used to to carry electricity and electrical signals. The wires within the automobile's electrical system enable circuits which are in turn used to run wipers, heater fan, head lights, tail lights, stop lights, stereo, alarm and all other electrical and electronic devices. Based on their use and functioning electrical wires come in different types. For instance, Ignition circuit, Starting circuit, Charging circuit, Accessory circuit, Lighting circuit, all of which work with different types of wires.

Charging system

Charging system refers to the set of components viz. alternators, rectifier, regulators, that help recharge the battery. The system is essential for running the car's lights, radio, heaters, and other useful gadgets. A typical charging system comprises the voltage regulator, the batteries, and the alternator. While the alternator generates electric currant, the regulator checks any excess or deficit in the supply of currant. The batteries on the other hand serve as a repository of electric charge, coming into play whenever the alternator gets overloaded in addition to supplying power to the automobile's accessories.

Spark Plugs

A spark plug is an electrical component that's installed at the cylinder head of of an automobile's engine, the function of which is to ignite the compressed air and gas mixture by providing an electric spark. The construction of spark plugs entails an insulated center electrode attached with a heavily insulated wire to the ignition coil.  It is designed to form a grounded terminal on the base of the plug with a spark gap lying inside the cylinder.

Buying Tips For Automobile Electrical System Parts

You can ensure quality automotive part supplies through the following buying tips.

1. Always prefer new auto parts instead of used ones.

2. Choose your suppliers carefully, establish a reasonable level of trust towards a supplier, through referrals, testimonial, or certifications.

3. Be wary of suppliers offering products at extraordinarily low prices.

4. Ensure the specifics of the products you require from the supplier, before placing the order, a sample inspection is often the best way to do it.

5. You need to understand the terms and conditions including warranties and guarantees associated with the supplies you order.

Industry Overview

Auto electrical system industry includes trading of parts such as General Service components e.g. spark plugs and electrical parts viz. wiring, tune-up kits, switches; filters (oil, air and gas); belts and hoses; batteries; engine accessories viz. carburetors, alternators, oil and water pumps, speed control.

A number of factors influence the the automobile electrical systems market, most significant of these are include safety, cost pressures, and environmental concerns. Now the electrical system industry and the automotive industry as a whole is under constant pressure to improve fuel consumption at the same time cut emissions. Popularity and production of a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are a testament to this emerging trend.

Aside from the economic influences, technological expectation have also scaled up over the years. Experts predict that there will be large increases in the electrical power requirements of automobiles. Most of this demand would be driven by the introduction of new functions like the active suspension and the electrification of currant functions, such as engine valves and power steering.

As a consequence, a higher voltage than the present system of 12 Vdc would be needed, which calls for the industry's transition to new system designs. In fact estimates reveal that around 50% of electrical and electronic convenience features available in today's automobiles didn't exist even 10 years Back, e.g. remote keyless entry, multimedia systems, rear seat entertainment, telephones, etc. And the industry should see more of such developments taking place at an increased rate.