How to Connect Headlights to a 48V Golf Cart (5 Step Guide)
Tools and Tips

How to Connect Headlights to a 48V Golf Cart (5 Step Guide)

Having played golf for many years at night, since it's the only time my schedule allows me, I know a thing or two about golf lights. Connecting headlights to golf carts is a common modification. Night golf is becoming more and more popular. However, since most flashlights are 12-volt ornaments, the installation procedure for a 48-volt golf cart is more unusual and covers it well today.

    Below, we will take you through the process of connecting the headlights on a 48-volt club golf car in more detail.

    How to connect headlights on a 48 volt golf cart

    Things to Consider

    Connecting your golf cart lights is simple, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

    Choose the position of the light

    First, choose the location where you want to install the fixtures. Most people place lights near the front and back of the cart, but you can place them anywhere.

    Choose the right type of lighting

    The next step is to decide what kind of lighting you want to use. Various lighting options are available, from headlights and taillights to spotlights and work lights.

    Choose the size and shape of the light source

    After deciding which light to use, you must choose the size and shape of the light. Several sizes and types of lights are available, so it's important to choose one that will complement the rest of your golf cart.

    Choose between single and double battery

    Finally, you must determine how you are going to connect the light. There are two methods for connecting headlights to a golf cart, one golf cart battery or two golf cart batteries.

    • Single Battery Golf Cart

    If you connect the flashlights to the same battery, they will all be powered by the same battery. This is faster to install, but it puts more strain on the battery and causes it to fail sooner than if the lights were connected to two batteries.

    • Double Battery Golf Cart

    If you attach lanterns to two batteries, each lantern will have its own battery. It's harder to install, but it will extend the life of your batteries.

    Once you have decided on the placement, type, size, and shape of your light source, and how you want to connect it, you can proceed with the following steps:

    1. Choose the right light

    On 48-volt systems, there is no way to connect to 12-volt ones. You must either connect your golf cart headlights to one 8-volt battery (the lights won't burn as brightly but last longer) or two 16-volt batteries (the lights burn very brightly but not as long).

    Choose a set of 36- or 48-volt head and tail lights if you want to use your golf cart headlights regularly but don't want to spend money on a voltage reducer. These golf cart chargers connect to all the batteries in the pack and charge them at the same time. Then the golf cart charger charges them all equally and life is back to normal! 

    2. Mark and indicate the installation location of the lamp.

    Since golf carts can have up to six batteries, disconnect the negative lead from each one. The batteries are located under the front seat. Mark where you want to mount the headlights.

    Mount them as high as possible for best visibility.

    Fix the headlights with the mounting brackets.

    Attach the opposite end of the brackets to the bumper or roll bar.

    Find and install the toggle switch that controls the lighting. This switch is often located on the left side of the steering wheel, but you can choose the location that works best for you.

    3. Install the headlights

    Drill a 12" hole where you want to install the switch. The threaded portion of the switch may be a different size, so double check if the 12" hole fits the component.

    Make any necessary adjustments to the hole size before drilling.

    Connect one end of the wire to the positive battery terminal using the built-in fuser holder. To connect these parts, you will need a solderless ring terminal.

    4. Activate the lights

    Connect the other wire of the built-in fuse holder end to end.

    Pull the wire to the center terminal of the toggle switch.

    Connect the wire to the switch using an insulated spade terminal.

    Get 16 gauge wire. We connect it from the toggle switch on the second terminal to the headlights. Use a solderless butt joint to connect the wire to the headlights. Nylon ties are used to secure the wires. It is very important that the cables are securely fastened. Don't forget to cover the connections with duct tape. (1)

    Install a toggle switch. Connect it to the hole and use the screw to secure it.

    5. Turn on the lights

    Connect all negative battery terminals. Make sure all terminals are reconnected to their original locations. Turn the toggle switch to the "on" position to test the light. Check the battery wiring and connections if the lights do not come on.

    F.A.Q.

    Do I need any equipment to install lighting on a golf cart?

    The lighting installation kit includes all necessary components, such as a lamp holder and a plug connector. Certain items require certain tools to install or repair.

    - Electric drill

    – key on 9/16

    - Crimped wire

    - Nippers

    – Electrical tape

    - screwdriver

    - hex key

    – Wire stripper

    – Voltage reducer

    – socket 10mm

    – socket 13mm

    – Brake crown T30 and T-15

    – Marking pencil

    — Cordless drills with smaller tip and drill bit 7 16

    – measuring tape

    - Safety equipment

    – Nylon wire

    Golf Cart Headlight Installation Tips

    1. Check that the lights are properly fixed so that they do not fall out or fall while the cart is in motion.

    2. Secure all connections with zip ties or wire nuts to keep them from coming loose.

    3. Before moving the cart, check that the lighting is working properly.

    4. Be careful when driving a cart at night, as the headlights may obscure oncoming traffic. (2)

    5. Follow all local rules and ordinances when using the cart on public roads.

    Take a look at some of our articles below.

    • How to test a golf cart battery with a multimeter
    • Which wire to connect two 12V batteries in parallel?
    • How to connect a pressure switch for 220 wells

    Recommendations

    (1) Nylon – https://www.britannica.com/science/nylon

    (2) traffic - https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/traffic-rules-everyone-forgets/

    Video link

    Surviving the Dark - Installing 12 volt off-road lights on a 48 volt golf cart

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