Passive identification on Whelen 500 series leds

[bluestinger90]

Could someone confirm if these are passive, or require a ballast? The seller says they tested and they work on 12volt, and therefore are passive. However a seller here, selling the same light head, has a sticker clearly identifying the lighting to be passive.


The one I am inquiring into;





The seller here, clear identification it's passive.





On a related note, do Whelen serial numbers contain the date of manufacture?

 

[WireKing]

The top picture is a ballast type. The giveaway is that it says 140 degree, and "tir ballast". The second one is much newer and is true 12v passive.

 

[bigcat]

The older TIR6s all said BALLAST on them. Not sure why they were labeled that way, but they run off of 12v just like any passive LED lighthead. I assume it means there is an internal ballast or something.


I have never come across a TIR6 that required an external ballast flasher to operate. The only ballast 500 series lightheads I've seen are linear, never TIR.


Have him send a picture of them lit up if you are still doubtful.

 

[bluestinger90]

Thanks for the replies. I found a passive lin6 instead for a better price.

 

[rwo978]

The older TIR6s all said BALLAST on them. Not sure why they were labeled that way, but they run off of 12v just like any passive LED lighthead. I assume it means there is an internal ballast or something.

Agreed. I've run into several of these. Straight 12V works.

 

[SireLite]

I've got a few of these also. They say ballast on the back, but they work fine running on 12volts.