How many amps?

[cold1313]

Hey guys, looking to purchase new lights for my new MX5800. I was wondering what kind of amp draw you guys are putting on the factory system?

I was hoping to run a single, 12g wire back for the lights...looks like I might need more. I used to have 4 smaller lights, 2 rear, 2 front. Now I'm considering a light bar for up front and some of those are pulling 15A alone. Then add rear lights on top of that an a little bit for an amber strobe.

They aren't on for an extended period of time, typically just for the driveway with snow, so less than 2 hours. Any time the tractor is parked, it's on a battery tender.

I just didn't know how much "extra" the alternator has in the factory charging system.

 

[CincyFlyer]

LED or incandescent? If you know the wattage, you can easily figure the amperage by dividing the wattage of the lights by volts (use the true running voltage of your system, and not the 12 volt nominal.) Better yet, you can measure the actual current draw from your lights with an ammeter (included with most multi-meters), and that, along with your running voltage, will give the actual running wattage.

 

[cold1313]

LED

I was just doing simple math, using 12V, to get the 15A as some of these light bars are 180W.

 

[tonyq60]

Remember to up size the wire just a bit to reduce voltage drop.

Also consider return or grounds to be certian they are good.

If many loads in one place a trick is single power delivery then relays to control them.

Small wires for relay control.

 

[cold1313]

Right, I was looking at the amp draw and the voltage drop over distance by wire gauge. 12 would be fine, 10 would be better. I'll have to see what I have for 10 or maybe order 8g. I was just going to run a single power line to a fuse panel, ground to the tractor near the fuse panel. I don't believe 15A (largest single load) is large enough to justify using a relay, especially if my supply line is large enough.

I've got some 16 and 18g for other stuff.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Man you must be putting some serious LED light on that tractor. I just looked at one(2 each 12" 100 watt lights) for over $500. Each light puts out 11,000 lumens and it only pulled 4.1 amps. Are you sure you got the right info on those lights?

Here is the link to that light.
Tractor Light Kit | Tractor Light Bars | Black Oak LED

 

[k0ua]

Man you must be putting some serious LED light on that tractor. I just looked at one(2 each 12" 100 watt lights) for over $500. Each light puts out 11,000 lumens and it only pulled 4.1 amps. Are you sure you got the right info on those lights?

Here is the link to that light.
Tractor Light Kit | Tractor Light Bars | Black Oak LED

I suspect the confusion come from some people rate the LED lamps with a comparison to an incandescent lamp. Like the new lamp is an 180 watt equivalent. This is absolutely the wrong way to rate lamps, they should be rates in Lumens, but a lot of people still have trouble with understanding ratings. He is talking about running 8 gauge wire.. MAN, of MAN, that must be one helluva huge light bar. I SERIOUSLY doubt he needs to run this size of wire for ANY led lamp. Just look at any replacement lamp for your home, they rate them at "60 watt" equivalent. Of course they don't pull anywhere close to 60 watts. Most pull around 8 to 9 watts. I have a 1 watt LED flashlight and it is VERY bright. If you find out how much current the actual light bar pulls we can help you size the wire. I am betting 16 gauge would be more appropriate.

 

[k0ua]

Here is a voltage drop calculator fill in the blanks.

I calculated 4.1 amps or current draw using 16 gauge wire with 10 foot of wire at .16 volt drop or just over 1 percent. This would be entirely acceptable.

Voltage Drop Calculator

 

[k0ua]

LED

I was just doing simple math, using 12V, to get the 15A as some of these light bars are 180W.

Really? Please show us these 180 watt LED light bars.. Do you really need this much light?.

 

[cold1313]

I suspect the confusion come from some people rate the LED lamps with a comparison to an incandescent lamp. Like the new lamp is an 180 watt equivalent. This is absolutely the wrong way to rate lamps, they should be rates in Lumens, but a lot of people still have trouble with understanding ratings. He is talking about running 8 gauge wire.. MAN, of MAN, that must be one helluva huge light bar. I SERIOUSLY doubt he needs to run this size of wire for ANY led lamp. Just look at any replacement lamp for your home, they rate them at "60 watt" equivalent. Of course they don't pull anywhere close to 60 watts. Most pull around 8 to 9 watts. I have a 1 watt LED flashlight and it is VERY bright. If you find out how much current the actual light bar pulls we can help you size the wire. I am betting 16 gauge would be more appropriate.

I'm looking to run a single power wire from the battery to the rear. Then run everything from there. Front and rear lights, amber strobes and some empty spaces for expansion. 12g would work, I have a bunch of that. Probably run a 10g, still have some of that around.

Here is the light:
Amazon.com: LED Light Bar Nilight 32 Inch 18W Spot Flood Combo LED Driving Lamp Off Road Lights LED Work Light Boat Jeep Lamp,2 Years Warranty: Automotive

LED Power: 180W (60 x 3W High Intensity LED)
Beam Pattern: Flood Spot Combo Beam
Input Voltage: 9-30V DC (fits 12V, 24V vehicles)
Working Lifespan: Over 30,000 hours
Working Temperature: -40~60 degrees Celsius
LED Color Temperature: Pure White 6000K-6500K
Material: 6063 Aluminum Profile, High quality Led Chips, PC Lens
Waterproof Rate: IP67; Waterproof, dustproof, quakeproof and anti-corrosive.
Certifications: CE, FCC and RoHS