headlight dimmer switch ?

[sweetk30]

anyone happen to know the amp load rating on the factory dimmer side of the headlight switch ?

i got the autometer gauges all wired up and just want to make sure i dont let the smoke out of the system.

my dash build thread to give you a idea on the load i have. http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284383


161 bulb = .19 amp per
168 bulb = .35 amp per
194 bulb = .27 amp per


i have a total of :


194 x 2 = 0.54 amp
168 x 2 = 0.70 amp
161 x 9 = 1.71 amp


all this for a grand total of 2.95 amp . so we will call it 3 amps .


thanks for anyones help.

 

[Fordum]

OK, this comes from way back in memory. Might be off by a small amount.

Normal incandescent DOT rated Sealed Beam bulbs, 55w low, 65w high.

If you are running aftermarket, check the numbers on the bulbs.

To get amps, divide the wattage by 12, multiply the result by the number of bulbs.

But, why worry? This is a great time to put in a relay kit and then all you have is the current of the relay coils, and lots brighter headlights.

 

[sweetk30]

well fordum thats all great info ................. but wrong stuff .

please reread my thread.

 

[Fordum]

OK, but give me a break, you used dimmer and headlight in the same sentence. Naturally I am going to think of the headlight dimmer switch...........

I was a little puzzled why you were worrying about the headlight draw though.....

OK that dimmer is a rheostat, and they are usually rated in watts.

The little carbon ones like volume controls usually top out at about 5 watts. This one should be a wirewound ceramic one, if its like my old Ford boom truck.
I had it out the other day and saw it.

If you can get it out easily, look closely at it, and you might find a wattage number. Hard to say.

In this case, it is going to see maximum load just before full brightness.
If you have it out, turn it to max brightness, back off just a hair, and use that temp gadget you mentioned in the overheating thread.

Anything under about 120 should be fine.

 

[diesel4me]

I have used the dimmer section of a GM headlamp switch as a variable rehostat to control the amount of current going into the feild coils on a GM altenator,to get varying amperage and voltage output when using one as a battery booster or weldernator..I've seen the coil on the ceramic block get red hot ,so far it hasn't burnt it out yet!..I dont know how many amps a altenator feild coil draws,but I'd guess 10 amps at full "input" would be a good guess...you could always put a fuse in line to blow before harming the switch dimmer I suppose..

 

[sweetk30]

well real world test like that sounds goo to me.
i guess i will be just fine then.