I have a pair of old Dietz 5 inch fog lights on my truck. They are 6v and I'd like to keep it that way if possible because the bulbs have "made in USA" on them and appear to be in working condition. Would this BWD voltage reducer work? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...oap?ck=Search_N2529_-1_202&pt=N2529&ppt=C0335
Rather than do that, why not just wire them in series? If one bulb goes out, they both will but at that point you're buying new bulbs anyway and you can quickly rewire for 12V.
This is the best idea as long as you can isolate one of the grounds. One bulb can't ground through the case but has to ground thru other bulb. Is this a possibility? Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Just how many times are fog lights needed in K C ?...you want to save the bulbs.just dont wire them up.
I was reading up on wiring them in series but it said that you had to run a larger diameter wire and it couldn't ground through the case. Guess the larger wire isn't really an issue and I can look to see if the ground can be separated. When you wire them in series you just run wires from the positive terminal on one to the negative on the other and vice versa? Then does he power just hook into the positive on one light? So two wires between the lights and one feeding the power from the switch. And I work the night shift near a lake so it's foggy pretty often in the mornings, not to mention I don't really like having things installed that don't function.
Another choice that would also give you a brighter light would be to install 12 volt bulbs in them by changing the sockets.
2 amps isn't enough to carry the load. You're better off putting 12v bulbs in the original sockets. Once the lens is on you won't see the bulb markings. Put the Made In USA bulbs in the glass display case next to the dodo bird eggs.
Power to switch to + on first bulb, - on first bulb to + on second bulb - of second bulb to chassis ground.
Thanks! I'm going to try wiring them that way. These lights are sealed beam so I'd have to switch out the whole bulb. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Actually, you can use smaller wire if you run them in series; basically the same size wire as if you had 12V lamps. These are probably 35 watt lamps, at 6V will draw about 6 amps. Using a resistor to drop the voltage, you'll have 12 amps for the lights and the same at the resistor (or 24 amps). This will need a 30 amp circuit to work. Running them in series will reduce the current to 6 amps, or a 10 amp circuit. I'd use #14 wire for the circuit so if you need to convert to 12V later you have the right size. Fargo gave you the right way to wire them.
The problem with using resistors to drop voltage is you increase the load. To cut 12V in half, you have to use an equal load in series, doubling the load. This works, but now you need a larger circuit plus you'll have the heat generated by the resistor to deal with. By running the lamps in series, you're using the lamps themselves to reduce voltage; no increase in total load or heat. The downside is if one lamp goes out, neither will work, but seeing how these are auxiliary lights it's the easiest solution.
So how often do you use them??? How far is your workplace from home?? just throw a damn 6 volt battery in the bed and wire the lights ONLY.....then recharge the 6 volt as needed...problem solved... why make a federal case over a pair of foglights??
Steve, Everything you say is correct and I agree your approach of running the lights in series would be the best approach. I was trying to present an option in case it was not easy to isolate the bulb/socket so they could be run in series. I was also assuming there was enough reserve in the charging system to handle the extra load and the lights would probably almost never be used. It definitely depends on where you live but I can't remember needing fog lights more than 2 or 3 times in the last 50 years. Charlie Stephens
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