I was mulling wiring options for a handheld searchlight with a 50 Watt Halogen bulb.
The light came with a 2 pin socket which I suppose was intended to be mounted on the console.
I would like to avoid drilling additional holes unless absolutely necessary. Now, I have a 12 V accessory socket which is fitted on the console (standard fitment by zodiac) and would like to power the light through it if possible.
I got a dummy male connecter (std. cigarrette lighter adaptor size) with neg & pos. leads that i connected to the two pin socket which came with the light. Then I plugged in the light and switched it on. Seemed to work absolutely fine for about 5 mins.
I did not notice any unusual heating on the wires that were connected to the socket.
Is this setup ok for long term use? What is the current consumption of such hand held searchlights and will the wiring leading up to the 12V socket on the console be able to take such loads?
Watts=volts x amps
Therefore your light is drawing a theoretical current of 4.2 amps.
We will need to know what the gauge of the wiring to your socket is before any informed comments can be made.
Will open the socket to inspect the wiring today. But don't you think the standard wiring installed by the manufacturer would at least take a 4 amp load?
Will open the socket to inspect the wiring today. But don't you think the standard wiring installed by the manufacturer would at least take a 4 amp load?
Wouldn't like to comment on the current wiring without seeing it first.
If you use a proper marine accessory socket and wire it from the battery via a 15A fuse with 1.5mm cable (pref tinned marine) it will be adequate for 10A and handy to charge mobiles etc.
Will open the socket to inspect the wiring today. But don't you think the standard wiring installed by the manufacturer would at least take a 4 amp load?
Yes. It's unlikely the wiring installed is less than 1mm.sq., which is good for 9 amps. However, do check and for any other load on the same circuit.
