12v wiring question

[Andyd6155]

Was just wondering is there any reason I can’t wire 4 18w led lights onto a trailer, it will be running off the lights that’s already on it off a 12v battery through the 7 pin light cable.Anything stopping me wiring them into the side lights? planing on putting a switch in so that i can turn them on and off any help will be appreciated thanks Andy

 

[telectrix]

bear in mind that those lights will draw about 6A so might be too much for existing wiring.

 

[EricMark]

The trailer is not really 12 volt, so any lights need to be able to run 10 - 30 volt DC not simple household lights which are often 12 volt 50 Hz so designed for AC.

Some cars have monitoring systems to tell you if trailer lights fail, but most you can draw around 18W per side off side light circuit, so much depends on existing load, but should be OK with a 10W per side inside light.

 

[Andyd6155]

bear in mind that those lights will draw about 6A so might be too much for existing wiring.

so would putting 4 12w led lights onto the circuit be too much do you think? The trailer already has 3 marker lights down each side too

 

[ruston]

What is the purpose and colour of the lights?

 

[Andyd6155]

What is the purpose and colour of the lights?

they would be white and just to light up the inside of the trailer, bearing in mind it’s 22ft long and 8 foot wide, split onto four pens so a light on each i was going for

 

[ruston]

Just work lights?

 

[telectrix]

might be worth your while adding a second trailer socket. like used for powering a caravan fridge , battery, etc.,, wired accordingly. then you'd have a second supply with a higher capability.

 

[Andyd6155]

Just work lights?

Yeah just work lights

 

[ruston]

In that case I would do as @telectrix suggests and add a 12s socket.
That way you will have the options you need.
I was worried about you showing white light to the rear of the vehicle.

 

[Strima]

LED tape works well.