There are a few concepts that are naturally going to be very important as you’re setting up and mounting and emergency LED lights you utilize on your emergency response vehicle, and wiring is at or near the top of any such list. While most emergency LED lights are easy enough to set up and maintain from a wiring standpoint, there are a few common issues or errors that sometimes crop up and should be avoided.
At LED Equipped, we’re here to offer a huge range of emergency LED vehicle lights, including everything from light bars and mini LED light bars to dash lights, beacon lights and more for both cars and trucks. Here are a few wiring-related issues or errors you might encounter while mounting or otherwise managing your emergency LED lights, plus how to avoid them and ensure your wiring is always in great shape.
Loose Wiring Concerns
One of the more common issues when it comes to wiring and emergency LED lights is when the wires become loose or even disconnected entirely. This can occur for a few reasons, such as vibration from improper mounting or simple wear-and-tear over time.
To avoid this issue, be sure you’re using high-quality wiring products and that you follow proper installation techniques. Additionally, regularly checking on your wiring connections and making any necessary adjustments can help prevent this issue from occurring.
Overlapping Wires
Another possible wiring-related issue is when wires become tangled or overlap, which can lead to shorts or other dangerous electrical issues. This may occur due to improper installation, rough handling during maintenance or simply poor organization of the wiring.
To prevent this issue, be sure to carefully plan out your wiring setup and properly secure and label each wire. Use zip ties or other organizing tools as necessary to keep wires separated and organized.
Improper Grounding
Proper grounding is crucial for any emergency LED light setup, as it helps protect against electrical fires and other dangerous issues. However, improper grounding techniques can lead to several potential problems.
To avoid this issue, be sure you understand proper grounding methods and always double-check your work before finalizing the installation of your emergency LED lights. If you’re unsure, consult a professional electrician for assistance.
Wiring Obstructions
In some cases, issues with wiring may not be immediately obvious until you’re attempting to mount your emergency LED lights. Common obstructions can include sharp metal edges, excessive heat or even wildlife damage.
To prevent these kinds of issues, always carefully inspect the area where you’ll be mounting your lights and address any potential obstacles before beginning installation. Be sure to use proper safety equipment and techniques when working in tight or potentially hazardous spaces.
Worn-Down Wires
While this should never be the case for brand new wiring, over time and with regular wear-and-tear, wires can become worn down or frayed. This can lead to weak connections or even complete failure of your emergency LED lights.
To avoid this issue, regularly inspect your wiring for any signs of damage or wear and replace any compromised sections as soon as possible. Additionally, use high-quality wiring products that are designed to withstand the elements and potential hazards.
Improper Wiring Layout
If you’ve begun to notice significant drops in voltage to your emergency LED lights, it’s possible that the issue could be related to an improper wiring layout. For example, if wires are too long or not properly connected, you may experience a decrease in light output or even complete failure.
You may also be experiencing issues with your emergency LED lights if you’ve recently added new accessories or other electrical components. To avoid any wiring layout issues, be sure to carefully plan out your setup and consult a professional if needed before making any changes or additions.
Too Many Wires in One Connection
There are also situations where too many wires are running through a single connection point, which can cause issues with electrical flow and potentially lead to overheating or even fires. This can occur if you’re not properly organizing your wiring and fail to use the appropriate connectors.
The best way to steer clear of this concern is to use proper wire splitters. Wire splitters refer to an accessory that allows you to combine multiple wires in a single connection point while still maintaining proper electrical flow. These splitters also help prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of dangerous issues.
Using Serial Connections
When we talk about serial connections, we’re referring to a wiring setup where one lighting unit is connected to another sequentially. While this type of connection may seem like a time-saver, it can actually lead to major problems with your emergency LED lights.
One common issue with serial connections is that if one light fails, it can affect the entire circuit and cause all other lights in the sequence to stop working as well. This makes it difficult to pinpoint and resolve any issues with your lights. In other cases, serial connections will simply drop the voltage with each connection by a tiny amount, eventually leaving you with far less voltage for your end connections than the ones at the beginning.
Instead, we recommend using parallel connections, where each lighting unit is connected individually to the power source. This allows for easier troubleshooting and maintenance if something goes wrong with one specific light.
Proper wiring is essential for maintaining safe and efficient emergency LED lights. By avoiding common wiring-related issues like loose or overlapping wires, improper grounding, and overcrowding of connections, you can ensure that your emergency LED lights are always in top working condition. Remember to use high-quality wiring products, plan out your wiring layout carefully, and regularly inspect and maintain your wiring for optimal performance.
At LED Equipped, we offer a wide range of high-quality LED emergency lights and accessories, including wiring products, to help you create a safe and effective emergency lighting setup. Browse our selection today and feel free to contact us with any questions or for assistance in finding the perfect products for your needs.