Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user. If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.
Hi All
I was wondering if it was possible to run my driving lights at 24v whilst keeping the rest at the original 12v. I have dual batteries and the lights are rigs lights so they can take 24v globes.
I want to do this to halve the amount of current drawn.
Cheers Andrew
bugger, not even with some big diodes to stop current turning the entire system to 24v??? i'll ask my boss he'll figure it out 4 me Would be handy only drawing 50amps instead of the 100 i draw at the moment
if you hate the dark that much, invest in a set of HID lights. not cheap but will cost you less in the long run over trying to set up a custom 12/24 volt system and they last forever whereas high wattage halogens burn up pretty quick by comparison especially in 4x4 applications where they get a lot of vibration. HID's don't have a filament at all so there is nothing to burn or break.
you might also want to try putting an ammeter in series with your battery/alternator and lights, your lights probably only draw about 70 - 80% of their rated power/current - unless your charge light comes on (and/or your voltmeter drops below about 12.5v) your alternator is coping with the load as is.
Doesn't matter if you halve the ampage really, the wattage or power used still remains the same. Probably easiest just to convert the whole car to 24v, witha 24v alternator, you could keep the starter / wiper motor and some other stuff at 12v with some tricky wiring.
Pat,
Brisbane, Australia,
JK 4door Rubicon, currently 4 Sale :(
It's a Jeep thing, I don't understand........
Rainbow Warrior wrote:Doesn't matter if you halve the ampage really, the wattage or power used still remains the same. Probably easiest just to convert the whole car to 24v, witha 24v alternator, you could keep the starter / wiper motor and some other stuff at 12v with some tricky wiring.
Power loss in the wiring is related to the square of the current. Halve the current thru' the wire, and the power loss in the wire is reduced by 75%.
Higher voltage is always more efficient for power transmission. The only real decision to make is about the cost - is it worth it?
I think the HID suggestion looks good to me - more light for less power
Rainbow Warrior wrote:Doesn't matter if you halve the ampage really, the wattage or power used still remains the same. Probably easiest just to convert the whole car to 24v, witha 24v alternator, you could keep the starter / wiper motor and some other stuff at 12v with some tricky wiring.
Power loss in the wiring is related to the square of the current. Halve the current thru' the wire, and the power loss in the wire is reduced by 75%.
Higher voltage is always more efficient for power transmission. The only real decision to make is about the cost - is it worth it?
I think the HID suggestion looks good to me - more light for less power
Scott
I realise voltage drop can be an issue, but you can always run bigger wires.
Pat,
Brisbane, Australia,
JK 4door Rubicon, currently 4 Sale :(
It's a Jeep thing, I don't understand........
