LED work lights are a smart addition to the standard lighting of a trailer. They can be extremely useful during on-site activities. We explain the available options and guide you through the installation process.
In this blog, you will read:
- Tips for connecting additional work lighting around the trailer
- How to determine which work lights are best suited for each situation
Note: gebruikt u werklampen als achteruitrijverlichting? Bekijk dan ook onze speciale blog over achteruitrijverlichting op aanhangers.
A LED work lamp on a trailer is actually an addition to the regular set of lights. The normal set of lights on a trailer consists of: combination rear lights (tail light, brake light, turn signal, fog light, and a triangle reflector), marker lights, and width lamps.
The choice of work light – floodlight or spotlight?
When selecting additional work lighting, it is important to choose the correct light beam pattern. Each application requires a different light distribution.
Floodlight: Ideal for loading and unloading or illuminating a large work area around the trailer. Provides broad, even light.
Spotlight (focused beam): Suitable for tasks where you need to illuminate a specific area, such as during inspection or precision work.
Good to know: work lights must not be on while driving on public roads. Only ECE R23 certified lights may automatically switch on when reversing.
Additional factors to consider when choosing a work light
- Light output (lumens): The more lumens, the more powerful the light beam. For heavy-duty tasks in the dark, we recommend at least 1500 lumens.
- Beam pattern: Floodlights for wide light (loading/unloading), spotlights for focused light (specific tasks).
- Housing and IP rating: A work light should be able to withstand impacts. Choose a lamp with a high IP protection rating (e.g. IP67 or IP69K) for use in wet and dusty environments.
- Goedgekeurde kwaliteit: Kies voor lampen met CE-markering en E-label, zodat u zeker weet dat ze geschikt zijn voor gebruik op de openbare weg.
Now that the application is clear, it’s about the technology: can the system power the additional lighting?
Check if the electrical system is suitable for additional work lights
Before installing additional LED work lights on a trailer, it is crucial to first check if the existing electrical system can handle the load. This will help prevent malfunctions, overload, or even damage to your vehicle or trailer.
Check the capacity of the lighting system:
- Note the voltage of the system (usually 12V or 24V).
- Check the fuse rating of the existing circuit (e.g., 10A or 15A).
- Calculate the total power consumption of all planned work lights: Formula: Amps = Wattage / Voltage. For example: 30W / 12V = 2.5A per light.
- Compare the consumption with the fuse rating, allowing a margin of ±10%. Does it exceed the capacity? Consider using a separate circuit with a relay and fuse, and connect the lights directly to the battery of the towing vehicle.
Check the trailer’s wiring harness:
- Inspect the cable insulation for damage or aging.
- Check connectors for oxidation, play, or moisture.
- Evaluate the wire gauge: sufficient for the current strength of the work lights.
- Check branches or extensions for waterproofing.
- Are there any malfunctions or flickering lights visible? Consider a new or upgraded wiring harness with waterproof connections.
Test after installation:
- Check if the work lights burn steadily without flickering.
- Check for error messages on the dashboard (due to canbus).
- Measure voltage drop if necessary (use a multimeter).
- Check if the lights respond correctly to switches or vehicle controls.
- Test the lights under full load (all lights on at the same time).
Connecting the work lights to the trailer
There are several ways to connect an LED work light to a trailer. Below, the most common connections are explained in further detail.
Deutsch connector
The Deutsch connector is a commonly used connector when connecting the work lamp to a trailer and is available in various lengths up to 4 meters. The advantage of a Deutsch connector is that it is easy to connect in the cable system compared to other connectors.
It can of course happen that an LED work lamp on your trailer is damaged. In such a case, replacing the work lamp is very easy. You can easily disconnect the broken work lamp and replace it with a new LED work lamp. This is because the LED work lamps are equipped with a simple Deutsch connector.
The Deutsch connectors come in various lengths with the option for branching. This allows you to connect more work lights to your trailer. Additionally, it is also possible to connect a Deutsch connector to your existing cable using a connector kit.
AMP Superseal connector
The AMP Superseal connector The AMP Superseal connector is a waterproof connector that is resistant to harsh conditions such as exposure to fuel, oil, salt, etc. These connectors are used in many different industries such as agriculture, machinery, and the automotive industry, making them suitable for connecting work lights to a trailer.
Pay attention to the fact that the connectors are IEC529 and DIN40050 certified for water resistance.
Connection box/junction box
The connections are linked using a junction box. A connection box can be used as a central box where the connections are linked. This is ideal when you want to connect work lights to a trailer. A central cable from the towing vehicle runs to the junction box, from which all lighting on the trailer is controlled.
The choice of TRALERT®
Als u op zoek bent naar een goede werklamp voor de aanhanger dan heeft TRALERT® een aantal toppers in huis. Denk hierbij aan slagvaste en zeer sterke lampen die tegen een stootje kunnen.
Better Light Work Safer!
Storing op het dashboard na toevoegen extra werklampen?
Het kan voorkomen dat er een storing op het dashboard zichtbaar komt. Wanneer u werklampen op uw aanhanger aansluit, kan het zijn dat het trekkende voertuig de LED verlichting niet detecteert. De oorzaak hiervan is dat de LED’s te weinig voeding van het trekkende voertuig vragen en dat het voertuig de verlichting niet detecteert. In ons artikel over het oplossen van een canbus storing leest u hier meer over.
Advies op maat voor voertuigbouwers
Bent u actief in de opbouw, ombouw of aflevering van aanhangers en zoekt u naar duurzame, krachtige LED werklampen? TRALERT® ondersteunt voertuigbouwers met hoogwaardige verlichting en slimme aansluitoplossingen.
