[kwegman003]

im looking at a 48 inch lightbar on ebay. it says it draws 18 amps. will that harm my system? or is the amount negligible? the electronics are fine as is without the lightbar pull.

thanks

 

[JohnnyU]

Most mini lightbars draw 8-10 amps. Most strobe beacons draw 3-8 amps. 18 amps is significant! I wouldn't run it on a plow truck, wrecker/rollback maybe, but not a plow truck.

 

[kwegman003]

thank you!

 

[groundbreakers]

wow 18 amps ... what is it ... a couple of KC daylighters mounted on spinning brackets ?? LOL

 

[pyro29]

What does it have for options? 18 amps sounds to me like you'll have at least six strobe heads, two halogen flashers, take down lights, rear work lights, and two alley lights. You'll never have all of these on at the same time...will you?

 

[Pirsch]

to me it sounds like he's running sealed beams and old rotator motors. Probably 4 bulbs each side and possibly a center where the speaker would be!

 

[kwegman003]

pirsch got it right. the price was at $103 with 40 mins left, but shot up to well over 175 plus shipping at the end. I wasnt interested at that point anyway.

 

[bdhunter]

18 amps would be fine through a relay.

Feed the power source direct from the battery (fused of course) with a nice heavy wire and toggle the relay with a low voltage source.

But it sounds like a moot point now.

 

[Pirsch]

pirsch got it right. the price was at $103 with 40 mins left, but shot up to well over 175 plus shipping at the end. I wasnt interested at that point anyway.

Hey what can I say... I know the OLD lightbars! LOL

 

[Mark Oomkes]

to me it sounds like he's running sealed beams and old rotator motors. Probably 4 bulbs each side and possibly a center where the speaker would be!

Or a MSP rotator.

18 amps would be fine through a relay.

Feed the power source direct from the battery (fused of course) with a nice heavy wire and toggle the relay with a low voltage source.

But it sounds like a moot point now.

I don't think he was worried about the wiring, but the overall draw on the electrical system. This is way too much if you're running a plow, heater, wipers, headlights, warning lights, etc. Unless you're using batteries for ballast.

 

[NoFearDeere]

Or a MSP rotator.

I don't think he was worried about the wiring, but the overall draw on the electrical system. This is way too much if you're running a plow, heater, wipers, headlights, warning lights, etc. Unless you're using batteries for ballast.

Batteries for ballast, I love it! I wouldnt do it if it was me!

 

[ultimate plow]

What kind of lightbar is it? I think that would be total amps if every option was on. My vista draws almost 50 amps with every light on. But I would never have every light on.

 

[scitown]

Yeah

I am going to bump this to the top because I just bought a used code 3 mx 7000. I am pretty sure it draws about 18 amps light up like a christmas tree. I am running duel batteries, fisher plow, am/fm radio (very fancy), wipers and heat. Anything I can do so I am not stuck on the side of the road with my new fancy light? This thread made me nervous.

 

[tinymitymo]

I am going to bump this to the top because I just bought a used code 3 mx 7000. I am pretty sure it draws about 18 amps light up like a christmas tree. I am running duel batteries, fisher plow, am/fm radio (very fancy), wipers and heat. Anything I can do so I am not stuck on the side of the road with my new fancy light? This thread made me nervous.

A couple of fire department friends of mine run the MX7000.....

They have the main(upper)rotators in blue.....

The lower level(flashers and alley sweepers)set up in yellow for plowing to reduce amp draw....

You need to remember that these fullsize lightbars are set up for police and fire/ems use...

The overall amp draw on a police car or fire truck is (usually) less than what your plow hydraulics pull alone....

Plus they are set up with heavy duty everything.....

If you have dual batteries and a heavy duty alternator you might be OK...

Just keep an eye on the volt guage....

And drive the truck a little while after plowing to recharge the batteries :salute:

 

[scitown]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice. I will let you guys now how she runs after I install it. Maybe I willad a third battery and a second alternator.