What cable ampage for 55 watt spot lights??

[RideRough]

Hi - I've just fitted two 55 watt spot lights onto the front of my Surf, when I asked in a local motor components store they suggested a 60 amp cable which I have bought and fitted with an in-line fuse (15 amp - also recommended). Wired to the high beam wire on the front headlight. Problem being when I flick high beam on the spot lights seem to take one to two seconds to kick in (as if they are warming up or something) and seem duller than when originally tested - could this be to do with the cable ampage?? any ideas please - on a postcard to!!! Seriously - any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

Dave

[poppy986]

As far as I know you should use a relay.
The switch terminal of the relay goes to the main beam feed,
pos.terminal to a 12v feed via a fuse either to the fuse block
or to the batteries,load goes to the lights.
This will give you full voltage to the lights without over
loading the lighting circiuts.
I'm sure that one of the other members will give suitable
advice.
Chrees Chris
Have a look under "search" Spot light wiring that should answer
your question

[exmee46]

Watts = Volts x Amps. So 55watt bulbs take 55/12 = 5 amps each. 60amp cable should do it!! Make sure you use a separate relay as well for the new lights.

Unlike most european cars, Surfs are wired with things like lights switched to earth rather than live. (ie the live feed to the bulb is always connected and the switch breaks the earth connection, Eurotrash usually earths directly to the chassis somewhere close by and the switch breaks the live connection). Makes things like interior light switches interesting as I found out to my cost recently when fitting a roof mounted DVD player and fried the c/b when I connected up the natty little built-in light

So bear this in mind when you are wiring accessories into the existing circuits. Might explain your problem - or might be irrelevant.

Cheers

Kev

[Maverick]

60 amp cable will do more than needed, I'm running 27amp for each pair of spots on mine (55w). I also have all accessories running through relays, as this reduces the chance of overloading a fuse. When I first got the vehicle I tried running my old spots (100w) straight from the main beam output, sucessfully blowing the fuse on a dark road, so I would advice using a relay. Then you can also start adding more lights when you get tired of just the two. You can fit 4 6" on a genuine Toyota A bar, and two fog lights in the lower valance.

[Gamedawn]

You must use a relay when fitting spotlights. The standard wiring is barely capable of running the headlights, never mind the extra load of two spots. In fact it is quite common for people to run the headlights through relays and seperate wiring to achieve brighter standard lighting.

[kitesurf_phil]

W/V=I Therefore 55Wx2=110W

110W/12V = 9.16A

Now comes the really scientific bit. Just double the amperage to be on the safe side

[Guest]

W/V=I Therefore 55Wx2=110W

110W/12V = 9.16A

Now comes the really scientific bit. Just double the amperage to be on the safe side

Yeo that will work. I always use 17 amp cable for pairs of spots or fogs. Easier to run than 60 amp cable which must be like an anchor chain.

One suggestion is to make sure the earth cable is as short as possible from the lights, cuts down the loss and the heat and will make the connections last longer.

[GJ_ok]

i'm using 17Amp cable with a 30Amp relay with built in fuse from Halfrauds (£7-8). works fine for me. earthed onto the bullbar.

[TimberSurf]

OK OK Ok so I'm an Electrical Engineer


I just can't resist it!


All previous info is correct, but always remember that the fuse is there to protect the wireing before the device!

i.e. 17Amp cable should be fused with 15Amp fuse max, guys

[Chillitt]

and if the 15 amper keeps blowing you can always whack a bolt in instead!
and If you would ever actually consider this, put all your tools in the boot, lock the car up and give the keys to a responsible adult..... I WAS JOKING!!

[kitesurf_phil]

and if the 15 amper keeps blowing you can always whack a bolt in instead!

Oh dear. Mention nails for fuses to my ex-fireman brother and he will tell you horror stories, both automotive and domestic, that will give you nightmares.

Fuses are a safety item and anyone who overrates them and survives should be hung by their tender bits!

[Gamedawn]

If a fuse blows you just put a bigger one in - don't you

[Maverick]

But surely when you know the rules, you can break them?

[kitesurf_phil]

Depends how well you know the rules. I must admit I did a temp fix on the Zook with the silver foil from a Marlboro pack but I had checked how much current was going to be drawn first. I put a proper fuse in ASAP.

The result of an overrated fuse in an electric blanket is not pretty.

[crazybitch]

Hi - I've just fitted two 55 watt spot lights onto the front of my Surf, when I asked in a local motor components store they suggested a 60 amp cable which I have bought and fitted with an in-line fuse (15 amp - also recommended). Wired to the high beam wire on the front headlight. Problem being when I flick high beam on the spot lights seem to take one to two seconds to kick in (as if they are warming up or something) and seem duller than when originally tested - could this be to do with the cable ampage?? any ideas please - on a postcard to!!! Seriously - any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks Dave

Hi Dave you really do need to disconnect what youve done so far and wire the spots in with a relay! the wiring on the surf is so thin it barely lights the headlamps so adding another 110w to the wafer thin wires its no wonder they are dim! also if you dont fit a relay the amount of current now being pulled through the switch is twice what it was designed for and this will be the next item to fail!
I have 500w plus on the front of mine! thats 1/2kilowatt of pure light (i like em to see me coming!) wired properly they will be bright and safe, wthout damaging any switches!