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Lighting Circuit
Lighting Circuit
Statutory regulations specify the number, position and specification of many of the external
lights fitted to a vehicle. In addition to the obligatory lights, manufacturers and owners of the
vehicle often install other supplementary lights to meet other requirements. Various lamps are
grouped in separate circuits, which include the following :
(i) Side and rear lamps including lamps for the number plate, glove compartment and
instrument panel illumination. (ii) Main driving lamps (headlamps) incorporating a dipped
facility to prevent approaching drivers being dazzled. (Hi) Rear fog lamp(s) to guard the rear
of the vehicle in conditions of poor visibility.
(iv) Auxiliary driving lamps including spot lamps for distance illumination and fog lamps to
reduce the reflected glare from fog.
(v) Reversing lamps to illuminate the road when the vehicle is moving backwards and warn
other drivers of the movement.
(vi) Brake lights to warn a following driver that the vehicle is slowing down.
(vii) Interior light and courtesy lights on doors.
(viii) Instrument panel lights to signal the correct operation of a unit or the presence of a fault
in a particular system.
(ix) Directional indicators and hazard warning lights.
29.2.1.
Circuit Layout
To obtain maximum illumination the lamps are connected in parallel. With the arrangement
an open circuit in any branch causes failure only in that one branch, the other lamps still
function normally. The vehicle lighting systems normally use an earth return circuit, because
this requires less cable length than an insulated return or two wire system. When the vehicle
body is used as an earth, a good clean connection must be provided at suitable earthing points
on the main body. This earthing lead is specifically essential if the lamp is fitted in a plastics
body panel.
Lighting circuit diagrams are presented in either a locational or compact theoretical from. In
the former type each component is located relative to its position on the vehicle. This is
useful in indicating the location of the various connectors and components, but the diagram
becomes more difficult to trace out a particular circuit path. To avoid this problem, some
manufactures make use of extra diagrams to indicate separate parts of the circuit. Figure 29.1
features.
Most graphical display systems provide full illumination for a few seconds after switching-on
the ignition. This feature permits checking of the lights in the graphical display and indicates
that they are functioning correctly.
In addition to this graphical display unit, a module (sometimes called a bulb outage module)
is installed to monitor when a particular section of the circuit does not consume the rated
current. When an open-circuit condition happens the module triggers a light on the instrument
panel to indicate the driver the lamp which is out. Each branch of the circuit passes through
the module for monitoring the system. However, this feature complicates the circuit and
increases the length of cable needed for the lighting system. But, it is still in use on the
grounds of safety.