So, you’ve decided to give your motorcycle a dazzling makeover with LED light strips. They’re all the rage, adding that extra flair and visibility on the road. But a question might be nagging at the back of your mind: How much power do these motorcycle LED light strips use? It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re cautious about your motorcycle’s battery life. For riders interested in enhancing their visibility and style, our range of Harley Davidson lighting kits and LED lights for motorcycles offer a wide array of options.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common question among motorcycle enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds – dazzling aesthetics and a healthy battery. Remembering your LED light strips’ power consumption is key to striking that balance.
LEDs, or Light light-emitting diodes, are famous for their energy efficiency. Compared to those old-school incandescent bulbs, LEDs sip power like someone enjoying a fine whiskey.
This means that while LED lights consume power, the amount is generally insignificant compared to traditional lighting options. However, “insignificant” doesn’t mean “non-existent.”
Several factors influence how much power motorcycle LED light strips use. Understanding these will give you a clearer picture of their impact on your battery:
- Strip Size & Wattage: This one is straightforward: the bigger and brighter your LED strip, the more power it needs. A strip with densely packed, high-wattage LEDs will use more power than a smaller, less demanding one.
- Number of Strips: It’s simple math. More strips equal a higher overall power draw on your motorcycle’s battery. If you plan on lighting up your bike like a Christmas tree, you must factor that in.
- Color and Brightness: Have you ever noticed how different colors seem to “pop” more? This is because certain colors, especially vibrant ones, require more power. Similarly, cranking up the brightness will also increase power consumption.
- Operational Time: How long you keep those LEDs blazing plays a role. Continuous use for hours will drain your battery faster than short bursts here and there. Consider their operational time as a factor if you are using blue LED light strips.
Will They Kill My Battery?
This is the million-dollar question. Motorcycle LED tail lights generally draw very low amperage. However, constantly running even low-draw LEDs with the engine off can, over time, drain your battery.
Think of your battery as a bucket filled with energy and your electronics as a small hole at the bottom. LEDs create a tiny hole but leave it unattended for too long, and even a tiny leak can empty the bucket.
Keeping Your Battery Healthy While Rocking LEDs
Okay, so here’s the deal: You love the look of LED lights and want to rock them without turning into a jumpstart enthusiast. To connect LED lights effectively, you need to be savvy and employ some preventative measures.
- Separate Switch: Rather than directly wiring LED strips to your battery, use a separate switch. This way, you completely cut off power to the LEDs when not needed, preventing battery drain. You avoid that slow, sneaky drain that can leave you stranded.
- Dedicated Power Source: Consider a dedicated power source for your LEDs, such as a motorcycle battery. It can be as simple as a small, separate AGM or gel cell battery. This keeps your main battery happy and dedicated to its primary job – starting the engine.
- Battery Tender: A quality battery tender is your new best friend, especially if you don’t ride daily. Regularly using one keeps your battery topped up, even with minor energy vampires like LEDs onboard.
- Mindful Usage: Let’s be real. It’s tempting to show off those glowing strips all night. But be mindful of how long you run them with the engine off. Brief, occasional displays are fine. Hour-long light shows are best reserved for when your engine is running and recharging the battery.
Calculating Power Consumption
While general guidelines give you a sense of power usage, actually calculating the numbers for your specific LED light strips can be helpful. For instance, you should figure out if your new strip lights will significantly impact your motorcycle battery.
To do this, you must know the strip’s voltage and current (amps) or wattage. These specs are usually found on the product page or packaging of your LED strip lights. You can find high-quality LED strip lights from reputable brands.
Once you have these numbers handy, here’s the formula:
- Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) x Current (amps)
For example, if you have a 12V LED strip that draws two amps of current, the power consumption would be:
- Power = 12V x 2A = 24 watts
Important Notes About Power Consumption Calculations:
This formula gives you the maximum potential power consumption of your LED light strip at full brightness. If your LEDs have a dimmer function, you can control the power usage to some extent. Dimmer LEDs use less power. Opting for quality LEDs with adjustable brightness can be a smart choice.
Real-Life Example
Say you’ve got a sweet setup of accent lights on your bike. The specs tell you that each meter of the strip consumes 4 watts, and you’ve used 3 meters in total. The total power consumption would be:
- Total Power = 4 watts/meter x 3 meters = 12 watts
If these lights are connected to your 12V motorcycle battery, the current draw would be:
- Current = Power/Voltage = 12 watts/12V = 1 amp
In this scenario, your LED light strips use 1 amp of current from your battery when turned on. Keep in mind that factors such as single-color vs. multicolor LEDs can also affect power usage.
Looking for a way to upgrade your ride? Check out our top-quality motorcycle LED lights and turn signals. They are designed to ensure you stand out on the road. While adding LED light strips can add a cool factor to your motorcycle, understanding how much power motorcycle LED light strips use can save you from battery issues down the road.
By choosing energy-efficient options, installing them thoughtfully, and monitoring your battery health, you can enjoy a visually appealing and reliable ride. Contact us today for more information.
