An electrical question for the electrical experts.

[Z51JEFF]

Im in the process of building a rear light harness for my Euro taillight conversion and would like to run a duel element bulb for the taillight-brake light function.My question is would a duel filament bulb draw too much current and cause a fuse issue?The second filament would only function in addition with the brake light.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

Im in the process of building a rear light harness for my Euro taillight conversion and would like to run a duel element bulb for the taillight-brake light function.My question is would a duel filament bulb draw too much current and cause a fuse issue?The second filament would only function in addition with the brake light.

IF the fuse size needs to be bumped, that's not a problem. And, I doubt the wire size will be an issue, but it could be. What gauge is the wire in you custom-built harness?

P.

[GOLDCYLON]

Ever consider just a hyper bright LEDs? Just a thought

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

IF the fuse size needs to be bumped, that's not a problem. And, I doubt the wire size will be an issue, but it could be. What gauge is the wire in you custom-built harness?

P.

The wire in the new sockets might be 14 while the OEM wire is 16.

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

Ever consider just a hyper bright LEDs? Just a thought

Ive got some extra connections from the 4 bulb sockets and a duel element bulb that the second filaments not being used so I got a brainstorm.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

The wire in the new sockets might be 14 while the OEM wire is 16.

Well, I believe the worst case, if the 16 ga. were too small, you might have some dimming of the tail light element when the brakes are applied. However, you might not even notice as the combined lumens would net more light in spite of the voltage drop in the lead wire.

Without over thinking this, if you could read the current with a VOM across the fuse connections (fuse removed for the test) with the lights on, it would go a long way toward developing a basis for a solid analysis and corrosponding answer/recommendation. Can you do that?

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Well, I believe the worst case, if the 16 ga. were too small, you might have some dimming of the tail light element when the brakes are applied. However, you might not even notice as the combined lumens would net more light in spite of the voltage drop in the lead wire.

Without over thinking this, if you could read the current with a VOM across the fuse connections (fuse removed for the test) with the lights on, it would go a long way toward developing a basis for a solid analysis and corrosponding answer/recommendation. Can you do that?

Well,I could if I actually had the wiring harness in the car.Wont be ready for that for awhile.Im just now building the rear light harness and Ill put the setup in the car hopefully in a few weeks.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

Well,I could if I actually had the wiring harness in the car.Wont be ready for that for awhile.Im just now building the rear light harness and Ill put the setup in the car hopefully in a few weeks.

According to bulb specs, both the stop and tail lights are 7W ea. Even if you're running both on a single 16 ga wire (0.0402 ohms/10ft) the current draw would be 14W/12V = 1.16A; well under 2A. You won't have a problem at 2 or 3 times that (1.16A) current. AND, if you're running one element only as a brake light the stock tail and brake circuits are unchanged anyway. I think you be good either way, if I understand what you're doing.

P.