Question about installing aux lighting.

[Mayhem]

I am mounting 2 55watt halogen lights on the rops of my BX2200.
I was going to install a separate switch on the dash, but then I got the idea of just hooking into the tail lamps.This way I can just use the existing headlamp switch.I can't see a problem with the front headlamps being on also because they are only 1156 bulbs. I am wondering if the wiring going to the tail lamps can handle the 55watt Halogen lights. Give me some advise if you got any /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Rich

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I have no idea if the wiring you want to tap into can take the extra draw of two 55 watt lamps, it is very likely the fuse will NOT take the extra draw as you will be putting approximately 9.2 amps more through that circuit than it is designed for. Also, keep in mind that if you have the standard alternator, it is probably a small unit of about 15amps so you will be drawing down the battery as you run the extra lights. I would suggest you run the extra lights on their own circuit with their own switch. I'd also suggest you power the switch with a relay so it takes the load. Bear in mind that if you run the lights for fairly short intervals with the engine at/near full RPMs you will be charging the battery at 15amps, but you will be drawing down the battery at probably somethine closer to 22 amps (2 headlamps @ 55 watts each, 2 aux lamps at 55watts each, misc running lamps at ??? watts each). So you will want to be careful not to run those extra lights for hours on end because even with the engine running at full speed you are still drawing down your battery.

From the practical standpoint, you can run your extra lights for 30 to 45 mintues without much grief as long as you allow the system to recharge the next time you run your tractor. If you draw the battery down too low, you will end up replacing your battery as it will be damaged.

Now if you have the HD alternator, then forget everything I just wrote about the draw down, but consider the individual circuit/switch/relay!

 

[Mayhem]

Thank You Bob, You said exactly what I thought I was just hoping there would be an easy way out. One thing I'm confused about is

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Bear in mind that if you run the lights for fairly short intervals with the engine at/near full RPMs you will be charging the battery at 15amps, but you will be drawing down the battery at probably somethine closer to 22 amps (2 headlamps @ 55 watts each, 2 aux lamps at 55watts each, misc running lamps at ??? watts each). )</font>

My new Aux lights are 55watts each but your saying my headlights are 55watts also,however they are only the 1156 light bulb.The ones that used to be tail lights in most vehicles before they came out with all these different bulbs. they aren't any more than the tail lights are so that cuts the total amps down abit. Right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[jpr62902]

Rich,

You could put a switch where the cupholder is (see attachment).

 

[jpr62902]

And then run your lights off of the aux. wire under the seat (see attached).

Also, the headlamps are only 24 watts a piece, per the manual.

 

[Mayhem]

Not a bad idea.Where did you get the power supply from?
The part I would like to avoid is running the wires up to the dash.I know it's not difficult, I'm just being lazy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Nice idea though,Did you use a weatherproof switch?

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Where did get the power supply from?

And then run your lights off of the aux.

wire under the seat

 

[jpr62902]

Under your seat is a red wire (I believe it also has a black stripe), which is used for auxillary electric stuff (i.e. lights). It's tucked in that black plastic tubing, so you'll have to do a little diggin to find it.

The switch is just a garden variety one from Radio Shack (not weatherproof). I've had it drenched with melted snow in two seasons without any problems.

NYYankees fan beat me to it!

 

[Mayhem]

I was typing as you were posting,good idea. I'm still surprised at 24watts for a simple 1156 bulb.

 

[Volfandt]

All good advice but I took a different route. I added 2 ea 35watt sealed Beam lights to the ROPS and ran the wire all the way to the dash where I used a pass-through splice to splice it into the headlite wire right at the switch. I wired in a separate 15amp fuse to this circuit also. I didn't want to splice into the tail lights as I wasn't sure of the current carrying capacity nor if any thing else was spliced into that circuit.
The twin 35watt lights put out enough illumination for me and the load to the dynamo/electrical system is very acceptable.

According to my BX23 manual, the ratings of the factory lighting is:
Headlights = 24W
Taillights = 3W
Total watts = 27W
Total stck lighting current draw = 27/12 = 2.5 amps

Adding two 55watts lights:
2 ea 55watt lights = 110watts
current draw = 110/12 = 9.16 amps

Added together, the total lighting current draw = 9.16 + 2.5 = 11.6 amps.

While twin 55watt lights will work, they in conjunction w/the stock lights get mighty close to the rated output of the dynamo which is 14 to 15 amps. They'll probably work OK but you may want to run the engine awhile after useing them to recharge the battery more.

Oh and btw, I've seen halogen ligts at Norhern w/a large magnet on the base. Supposedly it's strong enough to hold teh light assembly to any metal surface at any angle. They may be worth checking out.