Calculating Current Draw - MX7000 and others

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jantman
Posts: 68
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 11:05 am

Calculating Current Draw - MX7000 and others

Post by jantman »

Hello,

I am thinking of installing a separate, dedicated battery for my warning equipment. Obviously, I need to calculate the maximum current draw to do this.

The largest draw will be my MX7000 bar. I checked the Code3 install docs, but can only find amperage ratings for the bulbs. I have a few questions...

1) How much should I add for the current required to run the rotator motors?

2) I have 4 linear strobes, 2 front and 2 rear. Does anyone know the current draw of the strobe pack?

3) How is current draw calculated for flashing halogens?

4) How about the ArrowStik?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason
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FireCpt809
Posts: 1846
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Alot..

Post by FireCpt809 »

a loaded MX draws between 40-50 amps going full tilt.
jantman
Posts: 68
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 11:05 am

Post by jantman »

thanks!

Always easier to just get a ballpark maximum...
MK4412
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:35 am

Post by MK4412 »

Rule of thumb that I use in specing ambulances is 4.5 amps for each motor/bulb combination, given a 50-55 watt bulb. Each pair of flashers usually uses 1.5-2.5 amps, depending on incandescent or halogen bulb, respectively.

Arrowstik, 4-8 amps, figure around 8 when all lights are lit. depends, too, on the number of heads. (6-10)

Takedowns, pair @ 50watts each, 2-3 amps
Alleys, 1-2 amps.

Strobes, usually 2-2.5 amps per head.

An MX7000 can get quite "heavy" in the amp draw department!
Mike
jantman
Posts: 68
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 11:05 am

Post by jantman »

Thanks.

Any ideas on the headlight flasher? I believe the headlights are 50W so... I guess 4A max?
MK4412
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:35 am

Post by MK4412 »

I usually don't calculate the draw on a HF, due to it just flashing lights that are factory, but add a few amps to the total.
Mike
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