Jump to content

Can reverse light electrical handle 18w bulbs?


Recommended Posts

I already did an LED swap, which seems to be about the same output, just crisp white. I have these small 4" 18w bulbs that I would like to add, possibly under the bumper or somewhere you can't see them, to really light up the ground since I do a lot of reversing at night (that sounds weird, lol)

 

Could the circuit handle 18w bulbs on each side? (I doubt they're actually a true 18w, the wire going to the housing is smaller than the Edge reverse lights socket, so I would assume it should be okay?

 

Picked these up for $18 for a cooler radio/wagon build I'm doing and had this idea since they're still sitting around.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For today's class .. you're going to look at power equations. Please turn to page 17 in your books please.

 

The current I in amps (A) is equal to the power P in watts (W) divided by the voltage V in volts (V)

 

We want to know "AMPS" as this is the killer of fuses and wiring if not fused. We know the power in "watts" and the voltage (~12VDC aka 12 volts direct current) and since most the fuses in automotive applications are in the 5-20 amp range, this calculation comes out to ~1.5 amps for a 18 watt load operating in a 12VDC circuit so we are fine.

 

TL:DR - Yes. What he ^ said.

Edited by Tacyon
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So .. please turn with me to page 18 in your books ...

 

but seriously .. I didn't "forget". I just didn't feel a need to account for roughly 0.003 amps times "X" number of existing LEDs in a circuit built to handle far more than that.

 

But for accuracy sake .. you're correct as well. "LEDs draw little current so I'm sure it's fine"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...