Wiring Lightbar to PDS

ezgokid

I have a Tomar police lightbar that I'm going to mount on my PDS cart. It requires 12V and rather than shell out the money for
the reducer right away, I figured I'd ask if I can use the 3-position key switch. I know there are two 12V positive terminals on the keyswitch,
so where do I ground the lightbar and it's controller? (I know I'm not supposed to use the frame)

Thanks!

Dustin

BGW

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yurtle

A three position key switch has two independent switches inside. Neither cares whether you use anywhere from 6 volts to 48 volts. Usually the first position is 36, 42, or 48 volts, and you'd just leave that alone if it works. The other two terminals sound like they are already connected to two 6 volt batteries, since you called them 12 volts. You simply power the lightbar from the NO side of the key switch, and the negative - we don't use the term "ground" like in cars - would simply connect to you battery pack negative. If you already have headlights, you may be able to piggy-back on their negative, assuming it's a large enough conductor for both loads. You have to check the amperage on the headlights and on the lightbar. If your lightbar replaces the headlights, then just compare the two and make sure load is either the same or the conductor is adequate for the new load.

ezgokid

I do not have headlights and nothing is connected to the batteries yet. The switch is open right now but for the 36V circuit.

What I am trying to avoid by using the switch is wearing two batteries worse than the other four and also I thought I would try this instead if buying a reducer that can handle 20-30A of current.

I need to figure out where to ground the lightbar and it's controller if I'm going to connect the positive leads to the B1 and L terminals on the switch.

I would also like to know if I'm completely misunderstanding the use of the switch. I'm assuming based on what I've read that I can just connect the positive leads to the two terminals on the switch and connect the ground/negative/whatever to what? I guess what I am asking is, is the switch providing the 12V or am I in the end still wearing two batteries more than the others?

kgsc

If I remember correctly.. The ignition switch for lights has 4 terminals. B, B+, I and L

B and I are for the activation circuit on/off of the cart

B+ and L are for lights

So in your case. Pick 2 adjoining batteries assuming 6 volt, The negative of this pair goes to the negative circuit of your lightbar. The + should go to a fuse then to B+ on the switch. Then L goes to the + on your lightbar setup.

And yes this will work those two batteries harder..

ezgokid

Thank you very much. This is going to take some work as I'll have to solder some extra wire to reach the batteries.

Thanks again! This will have to do until I buy a reducer.