alternators and the battery

[Pull what]

The battery powers eveything and the alternator charges the battery.

The battery dosn't power anything when the alternator and rectifier are online.

The battery is purely for emergency power and starting the engine.

Its the TYPE of ammeter that is important not its position

There are two types, the charge/discharge type and the load type.

The charge/discharge type will remain centered so long as the system output can meet the system demand. Beyond this point the needle will indicate a discharge and use of battery power.

The load type of ammeter will begin near zero and rise as more electrical load is put online. The voltage warning light will indicate if the load requirement is beyond the alternator's ability to produce. The load meter reflects the actual electrical load as it is turned on. A load ammeter at zero or discharge is saying that you are using battery power.