Can I use this circuit for work lights?

[RidgeHiker]

I have a Kioti LK3054. I intend to add 2 forward work lights and one backward on the ROPS. There is a 6 place connector off the back that I am pretty sure is for attaching trailer lights.
None of the contacts are hot with the key on but one gets hot with the headlights on which I am thinking of using for the work lights. The headlight circuit has a 20 amp fuse. So here are my questions:
1. I want to know how much juice I would have for the work lights. What would a typical draw be on 2 headlights and 2 tail lights?
2. Is it true that if I divide the wattage of a bulb by the volts it gives me the amps?
3. How much of a safety margin should I leave under the 20 amps?
4. Anything wrong with using this circuit (other than having to have the headlights on?
5. The electrical diagram in the manual shows a circuit for working lamp. Any ideas where it may be? I have attached a wiring diagram from another thread.
You can probably tell I am a novice at this....

 

[yoder]

Watts divided by volts is right for amps.

There is a pigtail on the rear of my tractor that is hot with the headlights on, that Is what I tied into for a single 55 watt work light. I am sure that is what the hot with lights on wire is for on yours. If you want all your lights to work from one switch but are not sure if it will handle the amps you could wire a Relay in for the extra lights by using the existing Headlight hot for the trip wire on the Relay. When I installed my three ROPS Lights, I added a new 20 amp rated two postion switch too, so I could use independent of the head lights. Three lights at 55 watt = 13.75 amps so on a 20 amp switch no relay is needed.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Yoder hit it on the head.

Find out the wattage of your head lights and the worklights. A rule of tumb for designing lighting load on a circuit is to plan for 80% of max circuit capacity. In your case I would plan to be around that 16 amp range or you might spend alot of time changing fuzes.

Cheers

 

[GlennaR]

FYI:

There now are nice/affordable LED work lights that draw lots less power available.

If you haven't already done the job you may want to consider this option.

 

[grsthegreat]

3 - 55 watt hallogen work lights would yeild 13.75 aqmps, while 4 would yeild 18.33 amps.

You need to also find out how large your alternator is. My cab Kioti Dk45 has a 55 amp alernator (if i remember correctly). some tractors have an alternator so small they might not be able to handle the extra load of 3-4 halogen lights.

The LED lights that someone else suggested are a great (if expensive) alternative if you dont have enough power.

 

[RidgeHiker]

Does it say on the alternator what amps it is?

 

[ericher69]

To the OP;

If your dealing with ANY snow I would not go LED...

They do not get hot therefore they will not melt stuck on snow

 

[RidgeHiker]

To the OP;

If your dealing with ANY snow I would not go LED...

They do not get hot therefore they will not melt stuck on snow

Thanks, I have been thinking about that. We get a lot of snow so it is a concern. Since we are mounting them under the canopy I do not know if they will collect much snow but I think we will stay away from LEDs unless we are having a significant issue with sufficient power.

I guess if I get desperate I can warm my hands on the halogens or HIDs :laughing: since it is so difficult to keep my fingers warm .

 

[yoder]

Does it say on the alternator what amps it is?

It should be in the owners manual or you could check with a dealer. But you should be fine. I like LED's they have there place but they do not put out as good as a cheap 55 Watt Work Light. I do not even need my factory lights anymore with the two forward facing 55 watt Hella lights on the Rop Bar. When I do turn the factory Headlights on the only difference I can see is 75 feet ahead. Kinda like a High Beam. Hope this helps

 

[grsthegreat]

It should be in the owners manual or you could check with a dealer. But you should be fine. I like LED's they have there place but they do not put out as good as a cheap 55 Watt Work Light. I do not even need my factory lights anymore with the two forward facing 55 watt Hella lights on the Rop Bar. When I do turn the factory Headlights on the only difference I can see is 75 feet ahead. Kinda like a High Beam. Hope this helps

the problem is there have been quite a few people on TBN complaining that their tractors shut down after installing 3-4 extra 55 watt lamps....they overdo the electrical system and kill power to the fuel shutoff or ???