electrical question

[scott2007nomad]

I wanted to post this to the Technical board, electrical, put don't see a new thread option.

Anyway, I bought a set of after market lights that I want to add as tail light/ brake light. They use 1157 bulbs.

Can anyone tell me if the factory fuse/circuit will handle the extra load?

Of even better, can someone provide a quick lesson in electricity to teach me how to calculate the expected load vs. circuit capacity?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Scott K.

PS: This is what I ordered http://www.jpcycles.com/product/3300027?....ement_search= 1

[ringadingh]

Talk to Yellowjacket, he's really good with that stuff.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by scott2007nomad KawaNOW #00481

I wanted to post this to the Technical board, electrical, put don't see a new thread option.

Anyway, I bought a set of after market lights that I want to add as tail light/ brake light. They use 1157 bulbs.

Can anyone tell me if the factory fuse/circuit will handle the extra load?

Of even better, can someone provide a quick lesson in electricity to teach me how to calculate the expected load vs. circuit capacity?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Scott K.

PS: This is what I ordered http://www.jpcycles.com/product/3300027?....ement_search= 1

You use Watt's Law to figure this out. Watt's law is the relationship between power, voltage, and current.

P = I * V

P = power
V = voltage
I = current

To calculate the load on a circuit by a specific device, you do the following:

For voltage, we assume 14.5v which is the output of the Nomad charging system.

The standard power draw of an 1157 automotive bulb is 26.8 watts on the large element and 8.3 on the small element. In your application, the large element would be the turn signal and the small element would be the running light.

Small element 8.3 * 2 (lamps) = 16.6 / 14.5 = ~1a
Large element 26.8 * 2 = 53.6 / 14.5 = ~3.7a

The 1156 currently used for the rear turn signals has a power draw of 26.9 w,

26.9 * 2 = 53.8 / 14.5 = ~3.7a

The difference is negligible. Assuming your stock wiring hasn't been tapped to power any additional devices, it would be safe to add these lights on this circuit.

[macmac]

yeah you can run them off the exisiting wiring no problem. Like to see pics when yer done.

Thise could solve a problem I will have, as soon as i wire in a trailer hitch. They appear to be small enough that they can be mounted in a drilled hole on the draw bar. Basicly invisable until activated.

[scott2007nomad]

Thanks guys.
Assuming the front signals, rear signals, brake, tail and license plate lights are the only things on the 10a fuse, I should be able to add the extra set of lights.

I'll update when the install is done.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Dang Scott, I didn't realize you were an electrical whiz. I am impressed. I was just going to reply that with the 1157 bulbs he you do it.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

Dang Scott, I didn't realize you were an electrical whiz. I am impressed. I was just going to reply that with the 1157 bulbs he you do it.

I have the United States Marine Corps to thank for my electronics knowledge.