How many amps?

[k0ua]

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

OK, yeah they say it is 60 3 watt modules. Geez. that is going to be bright, Incredibly bright. I still find it curious that they don't list a current draw. I suspect there is a reason. How about you measure the current draw when you get them and report back?

 

[cold1313]

OK, yeah they say it is 60 3 watt modules. Geez. that is going to be bright, Incredibly bright. I still find it curious that they don't list a current draw. I suspect there is a reason. How about you measure the current draw when you get them and report back?

I was surprised as well. I'm not 100% sold on that unit, mainly because of the amp draw. It's geared toward off road vehicles, which would have more capacity with the alternator. I just started to look on Amazon and that one came up as a popular one.

I will probably avoid it, just due to the amp draw alone - but still curious if anyone knew what you could pull for amps for short period of time.

 

[k0ua]

I was surprised as well. I'm not 100% sold on that unit, mainly because of the amp draw. It's geared toward off road vehicles, which would have more capacity with the alternator. I just started to look on Amazon and that one came up as a popular one.

I will probably avoid it, just due to the amp draw alone - but still curious if anyone knew what you could pull for amps for short period of time.

Look at the rating of your tractors alternator. I doubt it is more than a 50 amp unit, but it could be. I also doubt there is more than 20 amps of excess capacity if that. OK, I found one place on the internet that says it is a 45 amp alternator.

 

[4570Man]

I've got a light bar for the tractor that's around 100 watts. I've yet to mount it but I've plugged it in and it's really bright. I've got a 36 watt bar on the back of my truck and it's pretty decent.

 

[cold1313]

I'm a mechanical engineer, so electrical is all voodoo and magic :laughing: - but I know enough to get in trouble. My thought is that even though the alternator might not be keeping up with the lights, if I'm only using (all lights) for less than 2 hours and it goes on a battery tender when done - it should keep the battery going....is this correct thinking?

$45 for a 180W LED bar doesn't seem bad. But if it'll cause me trouble, I'll find a smaller bar. I'm not going to start changing alternators etc.

 

[4570Man]

Here's the light output off my 125 watt bar.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm a mechanical engineer, so electrical is all voodoo and magic :laughing: - but I know enough to get in trouble. My thought is that even though the alternator might not be keeping up with the lights, if I'm only using (all lights) for less than 2 hours and it goes on a battery tender when done - it should keep the battery going....is this correct thinking?

$45 for a 180W LED bar doesn't seem bad. But if it'll cause me trouble, I'll find a smaller bar. I'm not going to start changing alternators etc.

That sure is a cheap price for 180w light bar... but as others have said, that is probably way more light than you really need. I have two 27w LEDs facing forward and two 27w to the rear. Plenty of light. Put two on a circuit. I can't remember the wire gauge I used from the relay to each pair, but I think it was 16g.

In your case if you are running 180w / 12v = 15amps. 14g wire is rated at 15amps. Run 12g.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

I have the same led light bar. I think I ran 8 ga primary wire. I haven’t noticed any issues with my alternator or battery. You’ll be ok.

 

[marchanna]

I have two LED lights with 18 LEDs in each. Each are 54watts, so no change in the wiring that was used for the 55w halogens they replaced. Incredible light output.

 

[cold1313]

I have the same led light bar. I think I ran 8 ga primary wire. I haven’t noticed any issues with my alternator or battery. You’ll be ok.

I'm assuming the bar is crazy bright?

I'll have to look into some 8g wire.