Prestolite Electric has announced its use of Isolated Ground Technology in its line of IdlePro and IdlePro Extreme alternators, designed to protect engines from potentially severe electrolytic damage caused by stray voltage.

Isolated Ground technology helps to prevent overall associated component failure and vehicle downtime, according to Prestolite. It includes a dedicated cable that directs the electric current from the battery to the alternator and a second dedicated electrical cable that directs the electric current from the alternator back to the battery.

“As original equipment manufacturers push to reduce stray electrical current or ground noise flowing through the engine to prevent premature engine failures and related component failures, this latest technology from Prestolite Electric ensures industry-best performance,” said Nick Laenen, vice president, North America, South America, Australia sales and marketing, Prestolite Electric. “Isolated Ground Technology maintains a closed loop of electric current, reducing both the alternator’s electronic noise signature and preventing stray electrical currents grounding through the engine block or its related parts.”

Common alternator designs allow the case of the alternator to be part of the electrical circuit. When an alternator is anchored to the engine electric current can then travel through or along the engine, increasing the opportunity for engine electrolysis or electronic noise interfering with other electronic equipment on the engine or vehicle. In today’s modern engines, the added electronic noise can trip ghost error codes – necessitating a service incident and diagnostic troubleshooting.  

The Leece-Neville IdlePro and IdlePro Extreme high-efficiency/high-output alternators include Isolated Ground and an array of other exclusive technologies that help extend battery life and increase vehicle uptime by enhancing electrical system and engine performance. The company plans to add the feature to the Leece-Neville PowerPro and PowerPro Extreme series high-torque starters in the near future.