12" LED Light Bar - Slows cart when on - Normal?

[Dunner]

EZGO TXT with 48V. Wired my 12" LED light bar into the Headlights and added a toggle switch so i can shut it when not needed and leave regular lights on for the road.

When i do toggle the LED on it slows the cart a couple of MPH. Is this normal?

Battery Pack tests good and is only a year old and holds 51v after 12 hours off charger. Water level is good as well.

[ncrr]

I'd say no, I have a 20 incher, and there is no change in speed when it is on. Mine is wired across 12VDC on a 36VDC bank.
Henri

[tag50]

Check to be sure it's wired in parallel not series.


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[Dunner]

Yeah i think I'm going to wire it directly to the 12V converter and not worry about it working off the key switch. It has its own toggle switch anyway and its bright enough I don't think i have to worry about it being left on. lol

[Helirich]

Originally Posted by tag50

Check to be sure it's wired in parallel not series.
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How would the head lights work if it was wired in series with the switch off?

To the OP, are you using a 12V reducer? LEDs shouldn't use much, but I'm thinking (if your just going off two batteries) that maybe all your lights are dragging down those two batteries.

[tag50]

He asked about a decrease in MPH, ergo a switch ON state.


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[wildbil645]

Originally Posted by Dunner

Yeah i think I'm going to wire it directly to the 12V converter and not worry about it working off the key switch. It has its own toggle switch anyway and its bright enough I don't think i have to worry about it being left on. lol

The LED bar may draw enough current that is maxing out your 12 volt converter (with your other accessories running) and causing it to drag your pack voltage down. I would try to turn off or unhook everything except the light bar and see what it does. I f it still slow i would check the light bar and see what the amp draw of it is.

[Helirich]

Originally Posted by tag50

He asked about a decrease in MPH, ergo a switch ON state..

My point was, if it was wired in series, turning the switch off would kill all lights, regardless of other issues.

[Dramier]

I've installed dozens of light bars on all kinds of carts, including seven of them on one vehicle. Not one of them has ever done what you are describing. Hell I can turn on all seven on that 48V buggy and it won't slow down.

Sounds like you have a bad battery or even a pair of them. Or perhaps you've got a light bar that is drawing too much power. If I install a light bar, I usually calculate the amperage draw and run the highest voltage the light bar will take or the car can provide to keep the power draw minimal.

[Dunner]

Ok additional Information on the light bar:

Power:72W. Package Included:1x 72W Cree led work light. 24pcs*3w high intensity CREE LEDs. Beam Type:30 degree(spot beam) 60 degree(flood beam) combo.

Is the 72W power draw to much for the 48 to 12 volt converter?

Thanks in advance