Beacon Ray model 175 how many amps should it pull to run?????????

[Homer Reyes]

I'm new to this and need some help with my light. Im wiring it to an inverter to run on house hold current AC from DC. I have a Beacon Ray model 175. Its in great condition and I have consulted with a man who told me how to clean it up. I have run the light and it works great using the inverter but runs slow. I was wanting to know if anyone else has done this and could tell me what amps i should run ...i do not want to blow it up.


Thanks Homer

 

[MtnMan]

Each lamp is abut 3 amps, plus a little extra for the motor, so figure 13 amps.

 

[jradue]

The start up current can be quite a bit higher. I would size your power supply for 50% higher than running current.

 

[stansdds]

Correct, starting amperage can be a little to a lot higher than running amperage, that really depends upon the condition of the motor and drive system. 13 amps would be the normal running amperage for a four bulb Beacon Ray with all four bulbs illuminated.

 

[Homer Reyes]

Im going to get an inverter to run it off or AC power this is so cool to have found this light thanks for your help

 

[shues]

Im going to get an inverter to run it off or AC power this is so cool to have found this light thanks for your help

Do not use an inverter! An inverter takes DC as its input and creates AC as its output.


What you need is referred to as a power supply.

 

[stansdds]

Shues is correct, an inverter turns DC power into AC power. You need a power supply that converts AC power to DC power.

 

[Homer Reyes]

Do not use an inverter! An inverter takes DC as its input and creates AC as its output.

What you need is referred to as a power supply.

is that why my light runs slow?


also all i have is 2 wires is that right no ground

 

[shues]

is that why my light runs slow?

also all i have is 2 wires is that right no ground

If you connect your Beacon Ray to an inverter, expect a fire.


It sounds like you are running the level bulbs and motor in series through the angled bulbs, by connecting one wire to positive and the other wire to ground. That's not how it's supposed to be connected. One wire is positive for the motor and the two level bulbs. The other wire is positive for the angled bulbs. Your Beacon Ray grounds through its mounting bolts to the roof of the vehicle.


Connect both existing wires to the positive terminal of your power supply. Connect a new wire from one of the mounting bolts to the negative terminal of your power supply.

 

[Homer Reyes]

If you connect your Beacon Ray to an inverter, expect a fire.

It sounds like you are running the level bulbs and motor in series through the angled bulbs, by connecting one wire to positive and the other wire to ground. That's not how it's supposed to be connected. One wire is positive for the motor and the two level bulbs. The other wire is positive for the angled bulbs. Your Beacon Ray grounds through its mounting bolts to the roof of the vehicle.


Connect both existing wires to the positive terminal of your power supply. Connect a new wire from one of the mounting bolts to the negative terminal of your power supply.

thanks you hit it right on the money it worked great and it looks great running thanks so much!!!

 

[shues]

thanks you hit it right on the money it worked great and it looks great running thanks so much!!!

Excellent! I'm happy to have helped.

 

[stansdds]

thanks you hit it right on the money it worked great and it looks great running thanks so much!!!

And after you watch it run for a while, you become mesmerized, then you will want a 17, then a 174, and so it begins, your path down the collector's road. Muhuwahahahaaaa!

 

[Chippergee1]

Can anyone suggest a compact AC/DC power supply? I’m trying to build a little decorative oak base to put a 174 that also has some complementary flashing police lamps. So basically I’m trying to hide the power source under the base.