How many LED pods can one 20A switch handle?

Been trying to google the calculations and I'm a rookie when it comes to volts/amps/watts

Can 1 of my OTRATTW light switch's marked 20A on the side handle 4 18w led pod lights?

 

A really basic way of calculating this would be "I (Amps)= P (watts) / V (Volts)"

So of you are running a 12 volt circuit and 4*18w pods=72 watts, then the circuit will draw 6 amps.

 

AHHHH HA! see that's the easy kind of educational teaching I need. Thank you sir! Will be keeping that math calculation in my iPhone notes.

 

Just google ohm's law and you should find the chart that has all the calculations. A good general rule is to only load your circuit to 80%.

 

Also make sure the wiring you use is thick enough support the current (amps) needed to power the lights. To be on the safe side allow 20-25% margin so in this case the wire running from the switch should be able to handle 7.5 amps (6 amps x 1.25 for safety margin). Once the wires branch to off each individual light then that wiring should be able to handle roughly 2 amps for the 18 watt lights you're installing.

 

Agreed! I would not run any lights through the switch. Hook it up to a relay and use the switch as the signal for the relay. If you have lots of lighting look at a bussmann rtmr, there are pre-made ones as an ongoing group buy right now and they are pretty fantastic pieces. Also make sure you have the appropriately sized wire to handle the current you want to put through it. If you want to run 20 amps you should be using 12 awg (american wire gauge) wire at a minimum. There are a number of charts online that show what the appropriate current rating for a wire is. The Coast Guard actually has one of the best out there (and that's coming from a Navy guy). If you have more questions please ask them. Remember there are no stupid questions, only stupid people

 

Hey guys kind of along this thread line......

1) What is a good system for setting up lights and switches in a gen 1 taco?? ie spod...lite-way....xprite
2) I also have 3 lights on a roof bar what is the best way to run the wires with out drilling any holes??

Suggestions....ideas...posts to look at for ideas.