Led Lights Wire Extension.

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Bikerman, Mar 19, 2023.

  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  1. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    OK I'll admit that when it comes to electrics, I'm as useful as 2 short planks, y22.gif so I've no objection to looking like a fool when asking this question. I have 2 of these on my Suzuki, they were wired in by the dealer.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25582865...cSUy7XcTAS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
    What I'd like to do is move the lamps further forward, this will involve extending the cable.
    I have some wire that is just a bit thicker, but not much, than what's on these lamps, am I correct in thinking that as long as I don't go thinner, than what's on these lamps, I'll be OK.
    Thanks Chaps for your valued input. y18.gif
     
  2. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

    Mar 6, 2016
    3,148
    1,000
    south shields
    Can't speak by experience or electrical knowledge, but I would imagine all should be ok, if it was me I'd extend the wires temporarily and check out all is working as it should. :cool:

    That's my thick planks worth advice,
    :D
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
  3. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    Thanks for that TEZ, that's my thinking too.
     
  4. Eldon

    Eldon Elite Member

    Nov 14, 2018
    4,061
    800
    North Yorkshire
    #4 Eldon, Mar 20, 2023
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2023
    Led is polarity sensitive i.e. positive must remain positive and negative must remain negative.
    Crimp connectors will be the easiest but personally I would solder the wires end to end after twisting then insulate with heatshrink tubing (use a hot air gun or you could probably get away with a lighter if careful).

    The current drawn by led equipment is typically very low so I wouldn't get too over concerned about the size of wire for a short extension.

    Hope this helps?
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Like Like x 1
  5. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    It sure does. Thanks Eldon :):)
     
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
  6. Baza

    Baza Elite Member

    Jul 25, 2020
    2,561
    750
    Home of Amazing Grace
    Just an amplification on what @Eldon said. When joining wires end to end and soldering them, rather than twisting each end and then crossing them over and twisting before soldering, bring the two untwisted ends together and interlace the strands. With them interlaced by 10 to 15mm now twist the interlaced strands just a turn or two. This will give sufficient mechanical bond to hold them prior to soldering. The end result is nice slim join which is easy to slide the heat shrink over.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    Will do. I've done it that way before, and I surprised myself that it worked a treat. So there's hope for me yet.
     
  8. Eldon

    Eldon Elite Member

    Nov 14, 2018
    4,061
    800
    North Yorkshire
    Also, if the new joint position will now be in a more exposed or arduous location, then I would double insulate. Easiest way is either to use another piece of the previous heatshrink over the top of the completed joint or the next size up depending on the diameters involved.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  9. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    Good point you've raised there. Cheers for that. Hopefully will be moving them very soon
     
  10. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,935
    800
    Yorkshire
    I had some of those on the Street Scrambler and also on the Berg until an incident with some deep ruts and a fence broke one so I replaced them with some twin beam versions. They throw a lot of light out for their size!
     
  11. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Apr 26, 2019
    2,481
    800
    California - USA
    New Lights.jpg Yes. you are correct. The thicker the wire, the more current it will carry. I am running all LED on mine now. The current draw is minimal, and the lighting output is great. ...J.D.
     
    • Like Like x 1
Loading...

Share This Page