Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: SirPeale on May 29, 2005, 07:35:16 pm

Title: Amperage load from 12V DC Bulbs
Post by: SirPeale on May 29, 2005, 07:35:16 pm
I've always pulled the power for my coin door lights from the PC power supply, and I've never had the whole machine on for very long.  Therefore I'm not sure how bad the current draw is on these lights.

I'd like to avoid burning out the power supply, so what's the amperage draw on the average auto light?
Title: Re: Amperage load from 12V DC Bulbs
Post by: danny_galaga on May 29, 2005, 08:47:19 pm
thatll depend. generally would range from 5 watts to 21 watts for auto lights. amps= watts/ volts so a 21 watt bulb would draw just under 2 amps.
Title: Re: Amperage load from 12V DC Bulbs
Post by: SirPeale on May 29, 2005, 09:04:25 pm
I'll have to check the wattage.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Amperage load from 12V DC Bulbs
Post by: forbiddenlyrics on May 30, 2005, 03:57:58 am
In my Contra game the bulbs are GE259's and accorinding to a google search they are 1.58W bulbs. Using ye olde amps = watts/volts we get: 1.58W/6.3V = 0.25amps. I think your PC power supply will be able to handle the coin door lights and if you are still worried I'd switch to LED's, they only draw milliamps and almost never burn out. Hope this helps a little!