You’ve seen these before, although potentially didn’t know the technical term for those starry bars adorning lots of four wheel drives and other vehicles these days: LED lightbars.
There are a variety of automotive LED light bars on the market that are being installed in vehicles. These are basically long lights with an array of LEDs that project a beam of light are known as ‘light bars’ and are typically designed to be installed as a single lamp in the vehicle’s front centre.
About LED light bars
The LED acronym stands for Light Emitting Diodes. An LED differs from a standard incandescent light bulb in that it does not have a filament. Instead, they are lit by turning electrical energy into light directly – a diode lights up when current travels through it.
Light bars and driving lights employ LEDs, which are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why! They’re 90% more efficient than incandescent lighting, turn on instantly, produce less heat, consume less current, have an incredibly long lifespan, and can produce extremely bright light. A no-brainer, really.
Are LED light bars legal in New Zealand?
Yep! You just need to be aware of a few conditions to comply with New Zealand’s legislation around LED light bars.
- All headlamps on automobiles and trucks must be installed as a pair (eg not a single centred headlamp). As a result, a single light bar situated in the centre cannot be considered a headlamp.
- Only one pair of dipped-beam headlamps and up to two pairs of main-beam headlamps are required for cars and trucks. A light bar for dipped-beam use cannot be fitted because vehicles come with an OEM dipped-beam headlamp (because a second pair is not allowed).
- Headlamps can be installed alone or in pairs on mopeds and motorcycles, with a maximum of two dipped-beam headlamps and two main-beam headlamps.
- The headlamps must not dazzle, confuse, or distract other road users in such a way that their safety is jeopardised.
- The beam pattern’s centre must point horizontally or downwards (not upwards) and to the centre or left (not to the right).
- From the driver’s seat, the main-beam headlamps must still be able to be dipped or turned off.
- All headlamps must meet an approved safety standard unless fitted to older vehicles (before 1992 for class MA and NA, before 1996 for others (excluding group L, which are before 2006).
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Which one should I choose?
From modest single row units to long multiple row units, light bars and traditional round-shaped LED lights are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes these days. A quick internet search will give you a good idea of what’s available.
They also range in price from more affordable units with little light output, to more expensive models with tremendous light output.
The selection is extensive, with prices ranging from $90NZD to $1200NZD+.
Keep in mind when choosing though, water and moisture resistance is a crucial feature given its popularity as an addition/enhancement to many off road vehicles.
How to install your LED light bar
Because of the large range of LED lights available and their power consumption, correct installation is essential.
Some lights will draw a little amount of power, while the high-powered bars will draw a lot more.
It’s critical to be sure your car can withstand the bar’s weight requirements, as well as that it’s properly and legally plugged into your vehicle.
Because LEDs are polarity sensitive (positive and negative must be in the correct order), it is advised that you hire a professional to do the wiring.
A modern vehicle’s electrical system might be severely damaged by improper installation.
Need help? We know installing electronics isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! Head over to the MyAutoShop service area and we’ll get you paired up with a technician with the know-how, so you can focus on the bright lights ahead.