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I recently had a forum question going "LED Tail light resistor heat question" where I was looking for the temperature of the 50 watt resistors I put in the tail light/directional lights on my 94. I got a lot of good input but never a ballpark temperature so I repeatedly did a bench test in duplicating the 12 volt, 1157 blinking light, 50 watt resistor setup.
After just TWO MINUTES, the average wait time for a traffic stop light with directional on, the temperature was 201 Fahrenheit
I was amazed to find that after FIVE MINUTES of the light blinking the resistor was 296 degrees Fahrenheit. (Yes 296 degrees)
The highest temperature I eventually got was 356 degrees, which was after SEVEN MINUTES....
Needless to say the resistors are coming out, over 300 degrees is the flash/melting point for several parts found on a corvette, especially when the resistors are mere inches away from the gas tank. I am amazed that they even sell these resistors.....
Jut an FYI for others.
Woody
The highest temperature I eventually got was 356 degrees, which was after SEVEN MINUTES....I am amazed that they even sell these resistors.....
Jut an FYI for others.
Woody
I repeatedly did a bench test in duplicating the 12 volt, 1157 blinking light, 50 watt resistor setup.
Woody, I'm confused how you did this test. Can you show us a diagram of how you had the 1157 light bulb, the blinker, and the 50 w. resistor hooked up?
Hot Rod Roy, The set up was just a basic bench and old wire system. I used a 12v battery, a flasher, 1157 bulb (only one terminal to hot and the body was the ground) the 50 watt resistor goes in parallel with the two wires going to the bulb. Simply put, look at it as an old school project too light up a light bulb, add a flasher and a resistor (in parallel).
I used my multi meter with it's temperature probe to continuously monitor the temp.
Bottom line, it is dangerous and I believe we will be hearing about cars burning, This is what I am trying to avoid... I don't care how bright a light looks, it will never be as bright as your car on fire..
Woody