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Connecting additional reverse work lights? Read how to avoid interference (12V system)
- Updated:
- By: Klemens Klein Overmeen
Contents
Fitting additional work lights for more light when reversing? Additional reversing lights can certainly be added, but the trick is to do it safely without overloading the electrical system. Connecting additional reversing lights?
In this blog you will read:
- How to add additional work lights when reversing
- Tips for connecting work lights when reversing
- Advice for selecting the right light
This article is about work lights used as additional reversing lights. For work lights used whilst stationary as additional work lighting, please see our article on connecting LED work lights to a trailer.
Current capacity of a 13-PIN connector
The 13-PIN connector (ISO 11446) is not officially designed to feed additional work lights directly via PIN 8 (reversing lights).
Our advice if you want to play it safe to avoid overloading is therefore: use a relay instead of connecting the work lights directly to PIN 8.
Connecting work lights directly to the reversing lights (PIN 8)
If you do like to connect work lights directly to the reversing light (PIN 8), it is important to check the maximum current capacity of the reversing light circuit. Consult your vehicle supplier for the allowable current at PIN 8. Use the formula P=U×I to calculate the current your work lights consume, where U = 12V.
TRALERT® tip: This little powerhouse from the Apex series has 2929 lumens and only 18 watts. That makes it very suitable for direct connection in many cases.
Using a relay to connect additional reverse work lights
If the lamp selection exceeds the maximum amperage, we recommend using a relay. This way you can prevent damage to your vehicle's electrical system.
A relay ensures that the work lights get their power from a separate power source, while pin 8 of the 13-PIN connector only serves as a switch. Connect the work lights via a relay, with PIN 8 (reversing lights) as the switch signal.
Explanation of wiring diagram
The drawing shows a 12V relay with PINs 85, 86, 87 and 30 connected to a 13-PIN connector:
- PIN 86: Linked to PIN 8 (reversing lights), provides +12V when reversing to activate the relay.
- PIN 85: To mass, via chassis or connector pin 3.
- PIN 30: Connected to PIN 9 (permanent +12V power supply)
- PIN 87: Sends voltage to the plus of the work lights.
- Work lights (minus): Connected to PIN 13 (additional mass).
- Operation: As soon as PIN 8 receives voltage, the relay closes and the work lights receive power via PIN 9, without loading PIN 8.
TRALERT® has been a specialist in LED lighting for trailers since 2005. From modern rear lights and marker lights to complete, easy-to-fit plug-&-play sets.
R23 certified work lights
TRALERT® offers a wide range of LED work lights that are ideally suited to assist with reversing. However, when a work light is actually used as a reverse light, it is vital that it has official R23 certification.
This mandatory certification guarantees that the light meets the legal requirements for reversing lights on public roads. This includes correct light distribution, sufficient light output and prevention of glare for other road users.
IP value: protection in demanding environments
For vehicles frequently used in challenging conditions – such as on construction sites, in agriculture or in industry – the IP value of the work light is just as important. This value indicates the extent to which a light is protected against dust and water. For these applications, we recommend work lights with a high IP value, such as IP68 or IP69K. These lights are completely dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets or prolonged submersion. This ensures a longer service life and prevents interference or faults, even in the most extreme situations.
Please ensure you always choose a work light with R23 certification
The TRALERT® selection R23 work lights
If you are looking for a good work light as an additional work light when reversing, TRALERT® has a number of top products.
LED ECE-R23 Reversing lights | 2600 lumen | 24 watts | IP69K | Deutsch | WR-2426
In our stock
SKU:
WR-2426
LED ECE-R23 Work light | IP69K | 1710 lumen | 13.5 watts | 9-30v | WR-1317
In our stock
SKU:
WR-1317
Problems with the CAN-bus system
The risk of CAN-bus interference on the dashboard is minimal and rare with this setup. Should an error message nevertheless appear on the dashboard, please refer to our comprehensive article on resolving CAN-bus interference.
More tips on trailer lighting
Reversing work lights are often fitted to trailers. TRALERT® has a range of informative articles with tips on trailer lighting. For faults with trailer lighting, please refer to our specific article on trailer lighting faults.
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Author
Klemens Klein Overmeen
Technical account manager at TRALERT® - Klemens helps customers find the ideal LED lighting solution. With his technical expertise and hands-on approach, he provides tailor-made advice.
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