Topic: LED Lighting - How much is too much?

[anthnytrainr]

Hello,
I'm in the process of replacing the entire electrical system on my 73 Cb500. I started from a new wiring harness and went up, ignition switch, new hand controls, reg rec, Dyna S, Magna 5 ohm coils, new headlight, LED indicators etc. Using an AGM battery if that matters. I'd like to forego a regular tail and brake light and use four small red LED's on my tail light bracket in its place. My question is this: How many LED lights does it take to overload the electrical system on my bike? Listing my parts used below.

Four of these in amber for turn signals, and two in red for stop/ tail:
https://shop.revivalcycles.com/led-supernova-brake-and-turn-signal-lights/

A pair of these as stop / license plate lights:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X58W9JP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My gauge lights have these halos in them:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SQ3F68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I've replaced the dash bulbs with these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WCMRFBV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The reason I ask is yesterday as I was fiddling with my tail light situation I ended up blowing my main fuse. Not sure if it was because I installed something improperly or if I am plugging in too much. This is my first bike and I've been successful with everything i've done to it up to this point.

[Alan F.]

Leds run very low current, one might theorize that it could take 50lbs or more of red leds to max out a bike's capacity.

Were you connecting something to a live circuit or did the fuse blow during testing?

Are you using glass fuses still?

[anthnytrainr]

Leds run very low current, one might theorize that it could take 50lbs or more of red leds to max out a bike's capacity.

Were you connecting something to a live circuit or did the fuse blow during testing?

Are you using glass fuses still?

Not sure if this is what you mean, but I never have the key on while I'm messing with the connections. I was poking around with a test light with the key on, the clip end connected to a ground wire. And yes it's the original glass fuse holder, but I have a mini blade holder on hand that I'm going to swap in later today. Do you have better luck with blade fuses than the glass ones?

[Alan F.]

When the stock glass fuseholders age, the contacts can oxidize causing a much higher current through the fuse than Honda intended. Your test light could also be a very low resistance which would flow high current, which fuse blew?

There are actually circuit breakers that can be used on these bikes in place of fuses. Like these: you'd want the correct ratings for your bike though....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164858831585?hash=item26625a22e1:g:L2YAAOSwkz1epaOO

[anthnytrainr]

When the stock glass fuseholders age, the contacts can oxidize causing a much higher current through the fuse than Honda intended. Your test light could also be a very low resistance which would flow high current, which fuse blew? There are actually circuit breakers that can be used on these bikes in place of fuses.

Good info on the oxidation. This bike came to me rusty just about everywhere. Circuit breaker, that seems like a sweet alternative.
Thanks for the info btw!

[Alan F.]

I think it was something to do with the plating on the contacts that makes them prone to oxidation and it's effects. Link added to earlier post, you should have enough info to search with for your bike.

[anthnytrainr]

I think it was something to do with the plating on the contacts that makes them prone to oxidation and it's effects. Link added to earlier post, you should have enough info to search with for your bike.

Great info, thanks again.