Auto or motorcycle horn current draw
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake Mn
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Does anyone know what the typical current draw of a car or motorcycle horn is? I'm building a DIY light system using a 12v SLA 7amp battery and wonder if a horn might not fit in my plans as well...
Thanks

Thanks
#3
Recreational rider
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Bikes: 2007 Specialized Globe
Their website doesn't appear to permit direct linking, but Hella's Supertone horn, part number 003399051, is listed as 78 watts, which at 12v is only a 6.5 amp draw. That would squeeze in just under your 7amp battery's specified limits Of course, fact is, you can usually draw 2x of a battery's rated amperage in short bursts, but still, it is good to stay within it's rated range. That horn is a healthy 116db, which is probably plenty loud for scaring the crap out of iPod joggers on a MUP.
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake Mn
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Their website doesn't appear to permit direct linking, but Hella's Supertone horn, part number 003399051, is listed as 78 watts, which at 12v is only a 6.5 amp draw. That would squeeze in just under your 7amp battery's specified limits Of course, fact is, you can usually draw 2x of a battery's rated amperage in short bursts, but still, it is good to stay within it's rated range. That horn is a healthy 116db, which is probably plenty loud for scaring the crap out of iPod joggers on a MUP.
#5
I am not a car

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Decatur, GA
Bikes: Giant Revel 1, Surly Ogre
I have been using a standard car replacement horn from the auto store for years and had no problems. My battery now is a 3.6 Ah SLA (3 lbs), down from a 7 Ah (6.15 lbs), then to a 5.5 Ah SLA (4.33 lbs) (went all LED lights). The horn comes in very handy, especially when people are backing out and not looking carefully! I use a car replacement horn button inside a section of old inner tube for wet weather protection.
__________________
"Bad facts make bad laws." FZ
"Bad facts make bad laws." FZ
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake Mn
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
I have been using a standard car replacement horn from the auto store for years and had no problems. My battery now is a 3.6 Ah SLA (3 lbs), down from a 7 Ah (6.15 lbs), then to a 5.5 Ah SLA (4.33 lbs) (went all LED lights). The horn comes in very handy, especially when people are backing out and not looking carefully! I use a car replacement horn button inside a section of old inner tube for wet weather protection.
Have you been using a Relay with the switch or just battery, switch, horn in series?
Keith





