How to hook up a 12volt LED light bar on a 48volt cart?

[WayneMac]

I have a 48 volt Precedent with a 6 8 volt battery sytem. I want to hook up a 12 volt LED light bar on my cart but i am not sure how to do this with 8 volt batteries? Is there possibly a diagram out there some where showing how to do this or should i have asked before purchasing the light if it was possible to do? Thanks in advance for your answers.....

[teecro]

There are 3 options and many opinions to which is best...

1) Tap any 2 batteries in series together for 16 volts is the no cost version and least recommended as it places unequal draw on two batteries and unequal charging on the entire pack. BUT for low amp draw and occasional use it is fairly common.

2) Purchase and install a 48 to 12 voltage reducer. This will place an equal load across all batteries. This will be the most recommended method.

3) Install a stand alone 12 volt battery to run your stuff but you must charge it separately with its own little charger.

[WayneMac]

If my cart currently has a light thats the original front light that is on a club car, can i just use those wires and switch? Or is the original headlight on a cart different voltage than 12 volts?

[WayneMac]

I would not be using this light bar very often so im thinking about the 2 batteries in a series option. But will the 2 batteries (16volts) fry my 12 volt light?

[teecro]

Originally Posted by WayneMac

I would not be using this light bar very often so im thinking about the 2 batteries in a series option. But will the 2 batteries (16volts) fry my 12 volt light?

Generally no, but you should be able to confirm this by checking the spec on the light whereas it will give an acceptable voltage (example 10 to 20 VDC)

[tag50]

Since you have existing lights, check the voltage delivered to those lights. You may have a 16v to 12v reducer already.


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[Volt_Ampere]

LED lights usually have a voltage regulator so you may be able to use it on two batteries. Remember that it is more than 16V though when the batteries are fully charged! If it's out of spec for your light bar, get a reducer!

[scottyb]

Keep in mind the CC OEM 12v reducer is actually a 16v > 12v reducer which draws from only 2 batteries and still causes the imbalance that shortens the pack life.

[Volt_Ampere]

If you are going to buy a reducer, get a 48V to 12V one!

[passthru]

My Rigid lights are rated for use from 9v to 36v. I personally went with the separate battery option. We run quite a few miles on the hunt at night and I didn't want any extra draw on my pack. It's worked out well a few times for other needs as well such as running a 12v compressor to pump up flats and a 12v spotlight.