Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Triumph Lightbar Current Draw?

Does anyone know the current drawn by the OEM lightbar? If not, I can probably figure it out if you tell me which bulbs it uses. I just want to be sure I don't exceed the alternator output when I add a second headlamp.

Thanks!
Jack

I think they are 35 watt bulbs.

Soren

For information my 2 X 55W lamps ran it 8.8A on a meter
Not the Triumph lamps though

For a good idea divide the wattage of your lamps by 13.
P(W)= I X V

I don't recall if the factory uses 35 watt or 55 watt bulbs.
The wattage may be stamped on the base of the bulbs.
For aftermarket replacement bulbs, the majority of H3 bulbs come in 55 watt issue.

Source for 35 watt PIAA H3 bublbs

http://vichubbard.com/auto-part-detail/piaa-h3-35-watt-bulb-single-pia-13435.html

Stock is 35watt. The PIAA replacement bulb is MUCH better then the OEM. Also, know that the bulb base acts as ground for the lightbar. As an aside, if you know about aiming your light at 19 feet, aim the driving lights at the UPPER line at 19 feet and you'll be real good at night.

Incidentally, here's what I have in mind:



Jack

I'd add a relay for that much current.

Watch out for potholes....

Quote:

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That's quite a bit of current, especially considering what the headlamp adds. Hqve you had any issues with the battery discharging?

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I dont have them on all the time, I have a switch on the bezzel, and to be safe I took the live feed to the relay from the hot side of the starter solenoid through a fuse first. no more than heated gloves or a vest I thought.

Try and do that photo tomorrow, in the middle of a rum and coke now
The starter solenoid is handy for sure and it has a nice big fat wire feeding it, My fuse holder is below the cover as well, plenty of room, regarding the switch I used a miniture toggle switch, fits the single hole on the left without any drilling and you can also get a waterproof boot for it. ( I live in the UK afterall )
I think one of the vendors sell the switch and boot on here, but I got mine from electronic supplier.
Try and remember the pic tomorrow.

Switch

Waterproof boot


Should be able to get these at any electronic store.
Fits straight in the left hand hole.

SPDT is what I have, just use it for on or off spotlights.
I did wire a friends with a center off, he has the option of having the spotlights on with low beam or on with high beam or of course off in the center.
Be kind of cool as when you flash your headlights the garage door would open.
Any bother getting a switch and boot let me know.

I have my switch set up to turn the lights on all the time in the forward position. In the back position they come on only when I hit the high beams for night driving.