Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:	Cars in the UK
Notice:	Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:	COMICS::SHELLEYELD

Created:	Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2584
Total number of notes:	63384

    Could someone please tell me the current consumption of your average
    12V halogen headlamp?
    
    Thanks,
    Jeff.

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1692.1	5 amp	WELCLU::SHUTTLEWOOD	Dr. Who??	`Mon Feb 10 1992 13:54`	9
	About 5 amp - They are rated (something like) 50/65Watts (dip/main beam). Amps = Watts divided by volts. I assume you only want a rough idea, otherwise we're off down various ratholes, eg nominal vs. actual battery voltage etc!
1692.2		NEARLY::GOODENOUGH		`Mon Feb 10 1992 14:07`	4
	Thanks - rough is enough. I'm designing a circuit to drive three lamps in parallel - I'll allow 20A to be on the safe side. Jeff.
1692.3	Where the safe side is.	SAC::ADAMS_R		`Wed Jul 22 1992 12:48`	10
	If you want to be on the safe side then use a 15 amp fuse. The idea is to save the wiring from currents that could damage it (melt insulators, start fires etc.) As well, you don't want the fuse blowing out on you during normal use. Ideally the fuse should just cope with the maximum output of the device used. If you are using a 20 amp fuse for 3 * 5amp lights on 15 amp wire then you are asking for trouble. The fuse should be the weak link not the wire. This is probably not the case but you should be aware of the issues for safety's sake. Keep safe. Raymond `:^,