Electrical limits/loads.

[WackyDan]

So I had those two Motolights added in Gatlinburg. That is 70watts of additional load in conjunction with the stock headlights and fogs.

I'm wondering what the limit is? I do not want to fry the alternator, nor do I want to be drawing extra from the battery instead of the battery being topped off at most times. I don't think I'm pushing it now, but ultimately, I'll be adding all the ESI LEDS and I mean all of them.. .including the Givi kit they have.

I'll probably wire in a ZUMO, XM radio, and may power up a some other device. I may at some point do a dual HID setup like Doc has - headlights and fog bays with them. I'll be adding two more power ports in the dash like many have, and one will be for a battery tender when not in use riding.

I know Lamont added a second battery. I'm not sure why he did other than maybe he was reaching a load limit and needed the extra capacity or maybe he just wanted insurance????

 

[docdoru]

So I had those two Motolights added in Gatlinburg. That is 70watts of additional load in conjunction with the stock headlights and fogs.

I'm wondering what the limit is? I do not want to fry the alternator, nor do I want to be drawing extra from the battery instead of the battery being topped off at most times. I don't think I'm pushing it now, but ultimately, I'll be adding all the ESI LEDS and I mean all of them.. .including the Givi kit they have.

I'll probably wire in a ZUMO, XM radio, and may power up a some other device. I may at some point do a dual HID setup like Doc has - headlights and fog bays with them. I'll be adding two more power ports in the dash like many have, and one will be for a battery tender when not in use riding.

I know Lamont added a second battery. I'm not sure why he did other than maybe he was reaching a load limit and needed the extra capacity or maybe he just wanted insurance????

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=107087&postcount=9

 

[WackyDan]

Interesting. I'll have to measure mine with the regular headlights, fogs and the motos just for kicks.

Doc... Do you put yours on a battery tender at all?

 

[NancysToy]

The Spyder is a magneto (generator), not an alternator. The capacity is only 500 watts. That is pretty low, but they seem to make up for it well with the bigger battery. I wouldn't worry about 70 watts. We use more than that with the addition of heated gear...even running around town. If you are worried, put the Spyder on a charger like the Battery Tender when it is home sleeping.

 

[WackyDan]

So I broke out my multimeter and some alligator clips...

@idle
Headlights only - 13.7 volts
Headlights + Fog - 13.6 volts
Headlights + Fog + Motolights - 12.9 volts
Headlights + Moto only - 13.6 volts. - Which is odd.

@5500 RPM
All lights - 13.5

So it seems I've got nothing to worry about as it stands. Obviously, HIDs draw more given Doc's findings...

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Current

It's not the voltage that you need to be concerned about, as much as the total amperage being drawn. Volts x Amps = Watts. Your voltage will stay at the 13.6 that the regulator governs right up to the point that the system is overloaded.......I'd add up the total amperage or wattage of all the draws to see where I stood......

500 total watts/13.6 volts = 36.7 available total amps

:agree:

Yes, you are totally correct. Physics 101 (I=P/E.) nojoke


Michael:doorag: