Can I run 2 x 55W aux lights with this switch?

[CanadianFZ6]

Possibly dumb question... I am about to install two 55w aux lights on my Wee.. I have Eastern Beaver's handlebar switch. http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec__Products/Switches/switches.html The switch is rated for 5amps, so using the formula watts over volts = amps... 55watts /12volts=4.5 amps (approx). Each light uses 4.5amps, so both use 9amps? Is my math right? Does this mean the switch can only be used for one light or am I misunderstanding something?

Thanks
Richard

[greywolf]

You'll need to use the switch to run a relay and use the relay to switch the lights.

[CanadianFZ6]

You'll need to use the switch to run a relay and use the relay to switch the lights.

Thanks... I have 3 circuit switched power relay (Strom specific) from Eastern Beaver as well that I will have hack now and run kinda' in reverse. I will use the handlebar switch to open/close the relay (rated at 40amps), and the relay in turn to switch on/off the lights.

Thanks Again GW

[SCraig]

Don't run your components at fully rated load either. Electronic ratings are nominal ratings. A 55 watt lamp averages 55 watts, so you might get one that draws a little more or a little less (up to around 20% variance). Likewise, switches, fuses, etc. all are nominally rated and may handle slightly more or slightly less. Leave a 50% safety factor on all wiring. If you expect a load of 10 amps select components for a 15 amp load. If you expect a 20 amp load select components for a 30 amp load, etc.

[randyo]

I have 3 circuit switched power relay (Strom specific) from Eastern Beaver as well that I will have hack now and run kinda' in reverse.

uh?

am I misintrpreting your statment, why would you have to hack anything

run in reverse?


you need a separate relay for the lights

[CanadianFZ6]

uh?

am I misintrpreting your statment, why would you have to hack anything

run in reverse?


you need a separate relay for the lights

I don't really need the 3 circuits, so instead of buying another relay, I will just use the one I bought (and intended to use as switched power). I have the one that plugs into the V-strom's brake light harness. I will just use the relay part with the handlebar switch for my lights.

[CanadianFZ6]

Don't run your components at fully rated load either. Electronic ratings are nominal ratings. A 55 watt lamp averages 55 watts, so you might get one that draws a little more or a little less (up to around 20% variance). Likewise, switches, fuses, etc. all are nominally rated and may handle slightly more or slightly less. Leave a 50% safety factor on all wiring. If you expect a load of 10 amps select components for a 15 amp load. If you expect a 20 amp load select components for a 30 amp load, etc.
I had in mind I would use a 15amp fuse for both 55w lights. Wiring came with the lights, so I would assume they will of proper rating.

[greywolf]

Thanks for bringing up headlight draw. It's been bothering me for a while that my Eastern Beaver headlight relay harness only has one power lead to both relays. Besides all the bad stuff Suzuki did with their headlight wiring, they did one good thing. They have separate hi and lo beam power feeds and fuses. If there is a problem with one beam, it may be possible to switch to the other which is a welcome ability on a dark night. So I rewired my headlights today. Also, the flash to pass switch turns on both beams so that threatens the one fuse in the standard setup.