Installation Manual

LOAD
EQUALIZER
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Guide
BURN HAZARD. HOT SURFACE. DO NOT TOUCH.
WARNING: The SYLVANIA Load Equalizer gets EXTREMELY HOT during
operation and remains hot for some time after operation. Securely attach to a
flat metal vehicle surface, away from any hot or heat sensitive objects. Never
touch a hot Equalizer as severe burns may result. The SYLVANIA Load Equalizer
will bypass the bulb-out detection warning.
A 13.5V source will require the Load Equalizer to dissipate up to 30W. A turn
signal lamp will blink ON & OFF, averaging half or 15W of power. This will
cause the Load Equalizer to heat to about 65°C (149ºF) above the ambient
temperature. Load Equalizers used in the brake circuit can rise to 115°C
(239ºF) above the ambient temperature.
*The referenced temperature rise measurements were made under controlled
conditions at 25°C ambient temperature and the Load Equalizer was mounted
to a standard heat sink.
CAUTION
INSTALLATION
The Load Equalizer must be securely screwed to a flat metal surface to help dissipate heat.
The Load Equalizer will get VERY hot during operation and for sometime after. Ensure that
it is mounted in a way that no heat sensitive objects may contact it. The Load Equalizer
mounting tabs have clearance for a 4-40 or M3 machine screw. Use machine screws to
securely attach the Load Equalizer to a flat metal surface. The wire can be extended if
necessary to allow for remote mounting. Be sure to use an automotive grade wire of at
least 16 AWG. Ensure all electrical connections are proper and well insulated.
INSTALLATION
(continued)
A SYLVANIA LED Load Equalizer must be wired in parallel with each LED retrofit
lamp used for Turn Signal applications.
Insulation Displacement Connectors are provided to connect the Load Equalizer
wires to the Turn signal lamp socket wires.
1. Place the unstripped socket wire inside run channel.
2. Insert the unstripped LED Load Equalizer wire completely.
3. Hold tool perpendicular to the wire and make the connection b
y crimping the
u-contact down flush with the top of the plastic insulator.
4. Close top hinged cover until it clicks latched.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Does my vehicle need a Load Equalizer?
A:
If you receive a “Lamp Out” message on your dashboard after you install a new LED
retrofit lamp or your new LED turn signal lamp Hyper-Flashes, then you may need a
Load Equalizer.
Q:
What is a Load Equalizer?
A:
A Load Equalizer is a 6Ω power resistor.
Q:
What is Hyper-Flash?
A:
Most automotive turn signal circuits monitor lamp operation and must report a lamp
outage. Often times, when an incandescent turn signal lamp fails, the reporting method
is to alter the normal turn signal flash rate to “Hyper-Flash” mode. The originally
installed incandescent turn signal lamps generally use 21 to 27 watts. If there is a
significant drop in operating wattage due to a lamp failing, the flash rate increases to
notify the operator of the lamp failure. Once the failed incandescent lamp is replaced,
the turn signal flash rate returns to normal.
Q:
Why could replacing an incandescent Turn Signal lamp with an LED
replacement lamp cause the LED replacement lamp to Hyper-Flash?
A:
Replacing an incandescent turn signal lamp with an LED replacement lamp reduces
operating wattage and could be misinterpreted by the vehicle as a lamp failure,
triggering “Hyper-Flash” mode.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(continued)
Q:
Why does a Load Equalizer get hotter than
an incandescent lamp of the same wattage?
A:
An incandescent lamp radiates most of its energy through invisible Infrared light.
The Load Equalizer cannot eliminate heat as infrared light. It can only conduct it away to
the metal car surface it is attached to or to the air that surrounds it by convection. This
means it could get hotter than the original incandescent lamp it replaces.
Q:
Is there any other solution to turn signal lamp Hyper-Flash?
A:
Vehicles with replaceable flasher relays can substitute the original flasher relay with an
appropriate “LED Rated” flasher relay.
Q:
How many Load Equalizers with my vehicle require?
A:
A separate Load Equalizer is required for each LED replacement lamp.
Q:
Does the Load Equalizer get very hot?
A:
The Load Equalizer will get VERY hot during operation and for sometime after. The Load
Equalizer must be securely screwed to a metal surface to help dissipate heat. Ensure
that it is mounted in a way that no heat sensitive objects may contact it. Do not touch
the Load Equalizer after operation as it may remain hot for some time after operation.
Load Equalizer Installation Instructions Trilingual 8x11.indd 1 9/30/2015 9:53:56 AM