Wiring LED work light

LRD90tdi · Aug 12, 2014

Hi chaps,

I'm quite hands-on (welding etc) but I hate electrics!

In days gone by (before owning a non-modded euro box!) I would just of just wired this 18w light up to a positive feed from the rear lights or (redundant) rear wiper, and earthed locally.... Is this still ok for such a low rated bulb, or will I need a relay etc?

I got bought one of these: 4 x 18W 6 LED Work Light Lamp Round Flood Beam Jeep Tractor Truck Bright 12v 24v | eBay

Thanks
Tom

leeds · Aug 12, 2014

No need for a relay.

OK they say 18 watts which will draw 1.5 amps. So fuse it at 2 or 3 amps. A good switch is capable of handling 3 amps.

Avoid local earths if at all possible.

Use a secondary fuse box with a negative bus bar.

Brendan

bankz5152 · Aug 12, 2014

No need for a relay. Ive got x2 54 watt CREEs running off a decent switch with no issues.

Agree with the chap above. Blue Sea do a fantastic secondary fuse box, for £30 - £45 depending on size. Workes excellently and enables you to add many things!

LRD90tdi · Aug 12, 2014

Ok thanks chaps - I'll take a look at a separate fuse box too.

Tom

Edit: 54watt!!

Brown · Aug 12, 2014

That looks tempting. Must get round to doing mine one of these days. LEDs make life much simpler - less relays so less to go wrong.

bankz5152 · Aug 13, 2014

Oh yeah way better. Brighter white light, smaller package, less load, easier to wire in liat goes on

oxides · Aug 13, 2014

If you're wiring in all four you'll need some cable capable of running 6A and a fuse a bit bigger - 10A sounds about right. You can't wire them into the rear lights or wiper feed 'cos they'll only come on with the lights/wiper. Simple and cheap answer is an in-line fuse holder wired from the battery + via a decent switch. Neater and dearer method is to install a secondary fuse box.

top-cat · Aug 13, 2014

oxides said:
If you're wiring in all four you'll need some cable capable of running 6A and a fuse a bit bigger - 10A sounds about right. You can't wire them into the rear lights or wiper feed 'cos they'll only come on with the lights/wiper. Simple and cheap answer is an in-line fuse holder wired from the battery + via a decent switch. Neater and dearer method is to install a secondary fuse box.

It needs to be the other way round. cable rating needs to be greater than the fuse rating

bankz5152 · Aug 14, 2014

I cant remember the cable I used but i think it was around 10awg. Easy to run and hide in a CSW 90.

oxides · Aug 14, 2014

top-cat said:
It needs to be the other way round. cable rating needs to be greater than the fuse rating

For LEDs your probably right. I was thinking incandescent current inrush.

SteNova · Aug 14, 2014

do you use the heated rear window?

bankz5152 · Aug 14, 2014

No, though personally think that feed isnt good for much. I tried to use it to power one of those little blowers, did sweet FA.

SteNova · Aug 14, 2014

I tried that too.... the blowers are pants, but the feed is easily running my 55w amber beacon

LRD90tdi · Aug 15, 2014

To clarify, it is just the one lamp, not four.....

I don't use the heated screen or wiper (yet/might I guess) so would be very tempted to run it off that - certainly for a time to see if I need/miss the use of them....

Tom

Wiring LED work light

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