Load Resistor For Led Turn Signals Motorcycle
If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that customizing your ride is an essential part of the experience. One popular modification is installing LED turn signals, which offer a brighter, more eye-catching alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, LED turn signals can cause issues with your bike's electrical system, which is where load resistors come in.
What is a Load Resistor?
A load resistor is an electrical component that's designed to create resistance in an electrical circuit. In the case of LED turn signals, load resistors are used to simulate the resistance of incandescent bulbs. This is because LED bulbs have a lower resistance than incandescent bulbs, which can cause issues with your motorcycle's flasher relay.
The flasher relay is a component that controls the rate at which your turn signals blink. When you install LED turn signals without load resistors, the lower resistance of the bulbs can cause the flasher relay to blink too quickly or not at all. This can be a safety hazard, as other drivers may not be able to see your turn signals properly.
How Does a Load Resistor Work?
A load resistor works by creating resistance in the electrical circuit. When you install a load resistor in line with your LED turn signals, it simulates the resistance of incandescent bulbs. This fools the flasher relay into blinking at the correct rate, ensuring that your turn signals are visible to other drivers.
Load resistors come in different wattage ratings, so it's important to choose the correct one for your LED turn signals. Choosing a load resistor with too low of a wattage rating can lead to it burning out or not providing enough resistance, while choosing one with too high of a wattage rating can cause it to overheat and potentially damage your motorcycle's electrical system.
How to Install a Load Resistor
Installing a load resistor is a relatively simple process that can be done with basic tools. Here's how to do it:
- First, locate the wiring for your turn signals. This will typically be near the front and rear of your motorcycle.
- Next, disconnect the wiring for your turn signals from the motorcycle's electrical system.
- Connect the load resistor in line with the wiring for your turn signals. This can be done by splicing the wires together and connecting them to the load resistor.
- Finally, reconnect the wiring for your turn signals to the motorcycle's electrical system.
Once the load resistor is installed, test your turn signals to ensure that they're blinking at the correct rate. If they're still blinking too quickly or not at all, you may need to choose a load resistor with a different wattage rating.
Conclusion
Load resistors are an essential component for anyone who wants to install LED turn signals on their motorcycle. By simulating the resistance of incandescent bulbs, load resistors ensure that your turn signals blink at the correct rate and are visible to other drivers. When installing load resistors, be sure to choose the correct wattage rating and follow the installation instructions carefully. With the right load resistor, you can enjoy the benefits of brighter, more eye-catching turn signals without compromising safety.