Additional Indicators

[DeeRo]

My 1960 car has, as standard, trafficators which are not that visible to other drivers. With this in mind I have fitted additional, motorcycle indicators below the bumpers. I wished to keep the trafficator system intact so the new circuitry is completely separate. I have fitted a new switch mounted below the dashboard. The cables are connected correctly but the new lamps flash too quickly and the warning light bulb glows rather than lights up. I have connected the cables to another flasher unit which I know operates the indicators at the correct speed and the new lamps still flash too quickly. I have not included a relay in the system, the new bulbs are 12 volt - 10 watts and the warning light is 12 volts - 2 watts. Any advice please?

[geoberni]

My 1960 car has, as standard, trafficators which are not that visible to other drivers. With this in mind I have fitted additional, motorcycle indicators below the bumpers. I wished to keep the trafficator system intact so the new circuitry is completely separate. I have fitted a new switch mounted below the dashboard. The cables are connected correctly but the new lamps flash too quickly and the warning light bulb glows rather than lights up. I have connected the cables to another flasher unit which I know operates the indicators at the correct speed and the new lamps still flash too quickly. I have not included a relay in the system, the new bulbs are 12 volt - 10 watts and the warning light is 12 volts - 2 watts. Any advice please?

Short answer, you sound as though you've played Mix n'Match with Car and Bike components and have got the corresponding results.
The sentence I've coloured red makes no sense; it clearly doesn't operate the Indicators correctly, at least not this Bike installation.

Longer reply....

What Flasher Unit have you used? Car one?
A standard car one is expecting 2x21W each side + 5w for the tell-tale lamp, a total of 47W.
You've installed 22W... so it's drawing half the current.
You said you tried another Flasher, and funnily enough got the same result....

You know that effect on a car where an indicator bulb has blown so the other indicator is flashing twice as fast....
That's exactly the circuit that you've gone and built yourself...

The requirement in The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 Schedule 7, Pt 1, basically says that an Indicator either has to have an 'Approval Mark', or if not approved has to be 15-36W.

If you brought Bike Indicators with 10W installed, then you need to find a Bike Flasher Unit to suit around 22W each side.

Just use parts that are intended to work together.

[DeeRo]

Thanks and yes that makes complete sense, I used a standard Morris flasher unit. Will try and source a motorcycle part. Will let you know how I get on.

[Bill_qaz]

Or fit 21w bulbs in the all indicator lamps and keep the flasher unit.

[geoberni]

Or fit 21w bulbs in the all indicator lamps and keep the flasher unit.

Being motorcycle parts you'll probably find that they are physically so small a 21w isn't available in that base/shape.

[Bill_qaz]

Or fit 21w bulbs in the all indicator lamps and keep the flasher unit.

Being motorcycle parts you'll probably find that they are physically so small a 21w isn't available in that base/shape.

Depend on the type used, many of my motorcyles have used 21w bulbs. You can get them with standard scc fitting but smaller globe in both clear and orange.

[Bill_qaz]

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Or fit 21w bulbs in the all indicator lamps and keep the flasher unit.

Being motorcycle parts you'll probably find that they are physically so small a 21w isn't available in that base/shape.

Depend on the type used, many of my motorcyles have used 21w bulbs. You can get them with standard BA15S fitting but smaller globe in both clear and orange. Or smaller BA9S 21W BULB

[DeeRo]

I fitted a motorcycle flasher unit in the end and everything works fine. Recommend Biker Parts Direct if anyone is considering this option. Thanks for your advice.

[mike1864]

"I have fitted additional, motorcycle indicators below the bumpers."
I believe the Vehicle Lighting Regulations specify a minimum height (350mm?) off the ground; which would preclude a below bumper mount. And cars are supposed to have 21W bulbs, not 10W.
Perhaps retrofits on Minors escape these Lighting Regulations. And I doubt this wattage and positioning would fail an MOT.
However it would seem wise to comply with these provisions, as they're designed to put these lights where other motorists might expect them, eg not obscured by their own bonnet in stationary traffic. And visible from a good distance away.
So my rear indicators are mounted above the bumper, using a homemade, double-angled bracket that connects to the bumpers' mounting metalwork. This also aims the light straight back, unlike wing-mounted lenses, that point upwards and outwards.
My front indicators are in the sidelight; amber bulb behind a plain lens.

[geoberni]

"I have fitted additional, motorcycle indicators below the bumpers."
I believe the Vehicle Lighting Regulations specify a minimum height (350mm?) off the ground; which would preclude a below bumper mount. And cars are supposed to have 21W bulbs, not 10W.
Perhaps retrofits on Minors escape these Lighting Regulations. And I doubt this wattage and positioning would fail an MOT.
However it would seem wise to comply with these provisions, as they're designed to put these lights where other motorists might expect them, eg not obscured by their own bonnet in stationary traffic. And visible from a good distance away.
So my rear indicators are mounted above the bumper, using a homemade, double-angled bracket that connects to the bumpers' mounting metalwork. This also aims the light straight back, unlike wing-mounted lenses, that point upwards and outwards.
My front indicators are in the sidelight; amber bulb behind a plain lens.

If you see my original response, on 31 March, I gave the regulations regarding the Intensity/Wattage.
They should carry an approval mark or be 15-36W.
Now how an 'Approval Mark' on an Indicator intended for a Motor Cycle might, or might not, apply to a 4 wheeled Motor Vehicle is a good point for a discussion on another day....
However, you're correct about the minimum height above the ground, it's 350mm, and there is no exception caveat to that requirement.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 Schedule 7, Pt 1, para 2, (c), (ii)

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.

It won't fail an MOT though since the MOT does not require it. To quote from the Testers Manual...
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... tion-4-4-1

The precise position of lamps is not part of the inspection. You should check visually that they are at about the same height and distance from each side of the vehicle.

The 350mm is approximately the height of the Minor's bumper centreline.
Heaven knows how some Kia models manage to meet the legal requirement; they seem to be the worst for indicators below the drivers normal line of sight....