How much current can acc switches handle ?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: NE Penna.
How much current can acc switches handle ?
I have a '07 Road King Classic and want to add a few accessories utilizing the existing wiring connections as much as possible. First, I want to put a cig lighter on the bars and use it for GPS, cigar lighting, and maybe even a small air compressor...I figure 15 amps is good = 16 gauge. Second, I want to utilize the acc plug under the seat for powering my LED accent lighting. Third, I want to use the unused left acc switch on the steering head.
I can't make much sense of the wiring diagram in the manual I purchased. It seems that there is an acc plug inside the headlight bucket available for acc. and one under the seat for acc. I can't figure out how much current/watts each plug can safely handle.
thanks in advance for the help!
-James
I can't make much sense of the wiring diagram in the manual I purchased. It seems that there is an acc plug inside the headlight bucket available for acc. and one under the seat for acc. I can't figure out how much current/watts each plug can safely handle.
thanks in advance for the help!
-James
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: NE Penna.
I understand your comment...but, I was hoping to avoid having to run my own wires (for power). I did all that stuff on a previous bike. I assumed that MOCO had planned ahead and made the wiring able to handle up to 15 amps.
thanks for the reply.
thanks for the reply.
I can't make much sense of the wiring diagram in the manual I purchased. It seems that there is an acc plug inside the headlight bucket available for acc. and one under the seat for acc. I can't figure out how much current/watts each plug can safely handle.
thanks in advance for the help!
-James
thanks in advance for the help!
-James
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
The switch isnt designed to handle more than 2 amps without issue. Harley hasnt changed the way they have been wiring the bikes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
#16 would be large enough if it was a single strand suspended in air. That's not the case in your application. When you bundle wires, the power handling capacity goes down FAST. If you anticipate pulling 15A continuous, I would recommend AWG10. I say this because all of the wiring on a bike is subjected to heat from the engine, so the normal dissipation properties are compromised.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
Not saying you are wrong, because I have no idea. It is so counter intuitive to put a 2 amp switch on a 15 amp circuit that I am motivated to see what the switch says the next time I have things taken apart far enough to check. The switch looks identical to the one that controls my passing lights and even the stock bulbs total around 4 amps, the higher power ones I use are a bit more, all with no problems.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 26
From: PA
the switches aren't designed to handle load. they are very low amp used to control power to things going through relays. At least that's my take on them and automotive wiring too. LEDs might be ok since they are very low amp draw.
not an expert so take that into consideration for sure.
not an expert so take that into consideration for sure.
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