Let's talk about how stupid I am with electrical stuff

Mar 2, 2023, 8:46 AM

I bought a new LED underbody kit for my golf cart because I have fallen behind in my quest to be the tackiest cart in the hood. I had a previous kit that just wasn't cutting it. Per the instructions for that previous kit, I had run it through a voltage reducer.

If you're about as clueless with this #### as I am, if you have a 12v device and you're trying to run it through 48v in a golf cart without a reducer, it's gonna fry. But I have the YouTubes so lets go.

Anyway, I pull out the old system and pull the manual for the new. They don't mention any reducer. Scouring the Internet and such, this brand doesn't seem to indicate the need for one, and the wiring doesn't seem to be set up for cutting and splicing and all. I inspect the control box carefully, which says a 12v output. After consulting a neighbor golf cart aficionado like me, I decide that the control box has a built-in reducer.

Only one way to find out. Flip the cart to "tow," hook up the device to the battery, plug in a light, and...

It works! I'm a genius! No reducer needed!

So I rig up all pads through the cart's underbody. I can't get it all done as they don't supply enough wiring, but I order a few extra wires for $10 real quick on Amazon. But I get enough done to make the cart almost ready to guide in aircraft at night.

One problem: The remote doesn't work. Doing a little Interwebs sleuthing, it seems I may just have a bad remote and they'll send me a new one under warranty. No biggie. But that's not really the problem...

Anyway, I call it a night, flip the cart back to "Run" so the wife can use it the next day, and plug it into the charger. But wait! I gotta show this #### off to her. I call her outside to come check it out in the dark garage. Fire up the lights. They're beautiful. She acknowledges how tacky it now looks.

But then suddenly, the lights all dim. Then one on the canopy pops. And then sparks. And then it's smoking.

As I quickly unhook the control box from the battery, I now fully realize I'm a ####### idiot and should have known this still needed a reducer.

So, lights are fried. I've ordered a new set. I spoke with customer service over email to verify my idiocy, and while I didn't demand a free new set because it's my #### up, I did suggest they make some edits to their manual for dumb ##### like me.

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Let's talk about how stupid I am with electrical stuff

48>12

Me too. I spent $170 yesserday because I had a faulty GFCI

It's a blessing I've had the good sense...

Perzactly. I tried the basic stuff - flipping the breaker,

I've installed some ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Na man, wait until you drill directly into your 220v stove

Forgot to tag him

I always start guys like you that don't understand how

If you really want to get ahead of the crowd.

just electrical stuff?***

Also in deciphering your language?

I say thank God for Capcrash.

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