Re: How many lights can a guy run?

Posted by John T on May 09, 2007 at 05:32:14 from (66.244.83.147):

In Reply to: How many lights can a guy run? posted by Don-Wi on May 09, 2007 at 00:34:56:

Don, the ONLY way for absolute sure to answer your question is to obtain the total combined watts of all the lamps you wanna use on a branch circuit,,,,,use Watts = V x I (i.e. divide total watts by 12 volts to get total amps) to calculate the total resultant amperage,,,,,,,,,,then it CAN NOT EXCEED the current rating of EITHER the switch being used or the fuze. ITS IMPOSSIBLE SETTING HERE TO KNOW THE WATTS OF THE LAMPS AND HOW MANY YOU WANNA USE, SORRY.........

That all being said, if your switch is rated at say 15 amps and its served by say an in line series 15 amp fuze, the total of alllllllll the lights you wanna place on that circuit shouldnt be much more then around 12 amps (for an 80% safety factor) which computes to a total wattage for alllllll lamps of 144 watts (12 volts x 12 amps).

Simply add the wattages of alllllll the lamps,,,,,,,divide by 12 to get total amps,,,,,,,to determine the switches ampacity rating and fuze size and associated feed wire. PIECE OF CAKE

I seriously doubt any decent or average sized working alternator is going to be anywhere near overloaded or taxed running just typical tractor lights. Its likely at least rated 30 to 60 amps which is sufficient to charge the battery and run minor loads and several typical lights hung all over the tractor.

In the event a 10 or 15 amp light switch and a 10 or 15 amp fuze isnt sufficient to run all the lights and have maybe a 20% safety factor, simply use a bigger switch and fuze and bigger feed wire like say 20 amps each.

Another option is to use a 12 volt power relay if you dont wanna use a switch with the ampacity you may require. Its coil is low power and amp draw despite it being able to switch much more amps through its contacts. Another option is more individual branch circuits each having its own feed and each its own switch for say front or rear or side lights etc

Obtain the lamp wattages and switch and fuze ratings and we will be glad to help if more is required.

best wishes n God Bless Yall

Ol John T and all

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