Wiring LED work light

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

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

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!

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

Tom

Edit: 54watt!!

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.

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

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.

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.

Click to expand...

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

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

top-cat said:

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

Click to expand...

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

do you use the heated rear window?

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.

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

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