Originally Posted by moparx
as i understand, 13.8-14.2 is acceptable rate of charge for a 12v dc battery.
now with that said, would it be possible for the voltage gauge mounted inside the car, to pick up a 14.7v signal from the alternator, but if measured voltage at the battery, to be only 14.2 volts due to voltage drop throughout the system ?
also, how accurate are most aftermarket voltage gauges compared to a fluke meter, which many do not own ? [i own several, but i have never taken the time to compare readings against a parts store gauge]
beer

With lead acid batteries I have always aimed for 13.8 to 14.2 at the battery. Using a Fluke 87 True RMS meter.
I prefer to see 14.0 to 14.5 but anything higher is concerning.
Comparing the Alternator Batt stud to the Battery reading will indicate a problem if there is a substantial difference.
There normally is a bit due to the age of the harness, connections, wire sizes, Voltage regulator etc. Anything over .5 IMO requires investigation.
Gauge's IMO are good indicators but can be off for many reasons twocents

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