How to Fix Power Supply Problems with Your LED Light Bars

LED light bars are useful pieces of equipment to have, especially if you're a 4WD enthusiast or you drive trucks across the country for a living. They are also a huge help for those who use mining and agricultural equipment on a daily basis. But just like other auto accessories, light bars are not immune to small problems that may be caused by improper installation and poor connection. If you're having minor problems with the power supply of your lighting device, here are few tips to help you fix them.

Solving Power Supply Issues

1. Determine the power requirements of your LEDs

If you are having problems with the power supply of your lighting device, the first thing you need to do is check the voltage and power specifications of your light bar. Remember, there are many types of LED light bars. Some are designed for 12v cars, while others run on 24v vehicles. So before you proceed with the installation, make sure that the light bar is compatible with the type of vehicle that you drive.

2. Check the specs of your power supply

Once you have determined the power requirements of your LED light bar in Australia, the next step is to check the specifications of your LED power supply. This is to ensure that its input and output power matches your installation requirements. Remember that if you use more wattage on your light bar than what the power supply is rated, it will cause the power supply to fail and the LED to go on and off.

3. Always check your wiring

As mentioned earlier, one of the common causes of LED problems is poor connection. Therefore, when you are troubleshooting an issue with your LED bar light 4WD, make it a point to double or even triple-check the wiring to your power supply. Remember, even the most skilled electricians can overlook such a simple wiring mistake, so make sure that your wires are exposed and making contact with the ports of your power supply.

4. See if there's an electrical short

If your best LED light bar 4x4 suddenly stops working, check if there's an electrical short. The presence of smoke or burnt wires is usually a sign of an electrical short, which is commonly caused by loose wires touching each other or installing bare strip lights to a metal surface. To avoid such a problem, make sure to eliminate loose wiring or bar copper pads.

Wiring Your LED Light Bars? Make Sure to Follow These Tips!

Once you have chosen the best mounting position for your LED light bars, the next obvious step is to ensure that they are wired properly. If the light bar is not connected properly to your car's power source, it can seriously affect its performance. In addition, it can also cause potential damage to both the lighting device and your vehicle's circuitry. As such, to ensure reliability and to avoid unsafe operating conditions, make sure that you know how to connect the light bar to the power source.

LED Wiring Guidelines

1. Safety first

Always ensure your safety when wiring the light bar. Before you connect it to your vehicle, make sure you disconnect the battery to avoid the risk of electrocution. Remove the round terminal clamp first, then followed by the positive side clamp. Not only does this eliminate the risk of any accident, it also helps prevent you from shorting the battery.

2. Use the correct wire size

When installing LED light bar in Australia, make sure to use wires/cables with the correct size. If the wire is too small, the excessive electrical current could melt the insulation or cause a fire. Most light bar kits have wires included in them so you don't have to buy another one. But if you want to change them, be sure to consult the owner's manual or ask your seller for guidance.

3. Choose the appropriate wire grade

There are three grades of automotive wire that you can use for the light bar: GPT, GXL, and TXL. If the light bars are going to be exposed to extreme conditions, experts suggest using GXL or TXL grade wires. They have a higher temperature range and offers better resistance to chemicals.

4. Use watertight connectors

The average LED bar light 4WD is well-protected from water and dust intrusion. However, if the wire connectors are not watertight, there is a risk that water may seep in through the connector. For this reason, make sure the wire connectors are watertight. Also, use crimpers that are made especially for them. While watertight connectors do not need silicone coating or electrical tape, you can still use them if you want. Just make sure that you use marine grade silicone or professional quality electrical tape.

5. Make sure the wires are routed properly

When routing the wiring, make sure to keep the wires as short as possible. Also see to it that you keep them away from high heat areas and avoid splicing the wires. To avoid wires hanging from the ceiling and to ensure a clean and tidy look after you have installed your best LED lightbar 4x4, route the wires along firewalls or the vehicle chassis.

5 Huge Benefits of Using LED Light Bars for Your Off Road Vehicles

When driving off roads, having reliable auxiliary lighting devices is a must. Because the road can be unforgiving, it is very important to supplement the light output generated by your factory headlights. But if you're going to purchase additional lighting equipment for your 4X4, ATV, or any type of off road vehicle, make sure you invest in good LED light bars and driving lights. Here's why you should choose LED lighting for your precious vehicle.

1. Long life span

LEDs are known for their long life span. Unlike standard automotive lighting, they can last for at least 50,000 hours of outstanding operation. Some may even last for as long as 100,000 hours. They also don't burn out and suddenly stop working. When it is time to replace your light bar, you'll know immediately because their light output starts to become less bright.

2. Energy-efficient

Unlike with standard automotive lighting, or halogen lamps and even HIDs, most of the energy drawn by an LED light bar is not wasted as heat. It is because LEDs have an energy efficiency rating of at least 90%. So every time you use an LED light bar in Australia, you can always expect optimum performance and excellent light output.

3. Earth-friendly

LED lighting devices are more eco-friendly than standard automotive lighting devices. They don't contain toxic materials, like lead and mercury, that can be harmful to the environment. In addition, they are 100% recyclable and can help you reduce your carbon footprint by up to 30%.

4. Durable

One reason why LEDs are becoming a staple of the auto industry is because they are extremely durable. They are built with sturdy components that can survive even in the harshest and toughest environments. And with a strong, durable housing to protect the light bar's inner components, the best LED light bar is definitely built to withstand extreme shock, vibrations, strong impact, and prolonged exposure to various weather conditions.

5. Instant lighting

Another remarkable quality of LED bars and driving lights is that they brighten up immediately when switched on. Unlike with other off road lighting devices, you don't have to wait a few minutes to experience the full power of an LED light bar. Also, frequent on and off switching does not affect the longevity and usability of this lighting equipment, so you don't have to worry about your lighting device.

To ensure your safety when driving on rough terrain, be sure to equip your vehicle with an off road LED light bar.

LED Light Bars: Installation and Mounting Rules You Should Know

LED light bars are amongst the most popular car accessories in Australia. But as with certain types of vehicle add-ons, there are rules regarding the installation and placement of such lighting devices. And to make matters more complicated, these rules slightly differ from one state to another as each part of the country has its own road authority. This basically means that what is legal and allowed in one state may not be the same in another. And because the national road authorities have yet to amend the existing design rules, there are also certain inconsistencies in them.

To avoid getting into trouble, here are excerpts of design rules telling you where you can legally mount your light bars in certain states.

Victoria

1. They should be fitted in pairs - As far as possible, the lighting devices must be installed symmetrically in pairs to the front of your car. If they are not fitted in pairs, they must be placed in the front and centre of the vehicle.

2. Four is the maximum number - Only up to four driving lamps can be fitted to your vehicle.

3. They should not cause driver discomfort - The LED light bar in Australia must not obstruct the driver's view of the road. It should not also cause discomfort to the driver either directly or by reflection.

4. They should work with the main or high beam - The light bars must only be switched on/off when the high beam of your headlights is turned on/off.

South Australia

1. They should be installed in pairs of between 2 and 4 lights - The lighting devices must be installed in a forward facing position and symmetrically in pairs of two or four lights. If they are not fitted as pairs, they must be placed in the centre line of the vehicle.

2. Placing lighting devices on the roof of the vehicle is allowed.

3. You can use an isolator switch – The light bars may be fitted with an isolator switch so when you turn on the high beam, the LED bar light online will remain switched off.

4. They should not cause problems to other road users – The lighting devices must not be fitted or used in a way that they would dazzle or cause problems to other road users.

Western Australia

 Mounting rules in WA are quite similar to those in VIC and SA with a few notable exceptions. Here are some of them.

1. Placing the light bars higher than the front edge of the bonnet is not allowed.

2. The light bars must be fitted with a manual switch that is accessible to the driver from the normal driving position.

3. The light bars must emit white light. Other colours are prohibited.

Whether you are using LED light bar for 4WDs, trucks, or other types of vehicles, make sure to take note of these design rules, especially if you are travelling interstate.

LED Light Bars: The King of Automotive Lighting Devices

LED light bars are the "king" of lighting devices these days. Because of their functionality and reliability, it isn't any wonder they are one of the most preferred lighting devices not only in the automotive industry, but also for other applications. If you're going to equip your truck, trailer, or 4WD with a piece of auxiliary lighting equipment, make sure to get LEDs.

Advantages of LED Light Bars

There are many qualities that make LEDs the best lighting device for your vehicle. Below are some of them.

1. Long life

LEDs, whether they are spot lights, flood lights, or a combination of the two, last a very long time. On average, they can last for up to ten times longer than incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent lights. Because of their durability and longevity, you don't have to replace them for a very long time, thus, enabling you to save money on replacement costs.

2. Eco-friendly

Investing in an LED light bar in Australia allows you to contribute to efforts to save the environment. As mentioned earlier, LEDs don't need frequent replacements. This minimises the need for frequent bulb replacements, which contributes to the reduction of hazardous wastes. In addition, mercury, lead, and other harmful chemicals are not used in the production of LEDs, which makes them safe for the environment and the people who use them.

3. Energy-efficient

Unlike other lighting devices, the electricity LEDs consume is converted to light and not wasted as heat. This enables the light bar to produce extremely bright white light, which is a huge help when driving on rough terrain after the sun comes down.

4. Safe and reliable

LEDs are considered to be one of the safest lighting options available today. The average CREE LED light bar is usually encased in a tough and solid housing that is well-protected against breakage. In addition, it doesn't emit heat, thus, reducing the risk of electric and fire accidents. And unlike halogen lamps, it doesn't have a filament that breaks easily.

5. Weather-resistant

LED light bars are unaffected by weather and temperature changes, making them an excellent driving companion. They remain stable and functional even when exposed to extremely hot and cold temperatures. And being 100% waterproof, you can rest assured that your light bar won't fail you even when exposed to rain.

If you want to make sure that you'll get your full money's worth, buying an LED bar light 4x4 is something you should do. So, would you settle for less now that you know what this lighting device is capable of?