Buyers Products 0.75 Inch ID Light Kit is used on trucks and trailers to meet FMVSS/CMVSS 108 regulations. The kit includes a wiring harness and grommets. It hard wire installs with .180 in. male bullet connectors. Lights are backed with a limited lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| Amp draw at 12 Volts | 0.113 |
|---|---|
| Base / Mount Type | Recessed |
| Built-In Switch | No |
| Color | Amber |
| Depth | - |
| Hard Wired or Plug | Hard Wired |
| Height | - |
| Housing Material | Plastic |
| Lens Material | Polycarbonate |
| Lens Shape | Round |
| Number of Wires | 2 |
| Overall Width | - |
| Plug Included | No |
| Type of Plug | Bullet Connectors |
| Voltage | 12 |
| Wattage | 1.36 |
The Buyers Products 0.75 Inch Amber ID Light Kit with Male Bullets and 9 LEDs represents a sophisticated and essential safety component for commercial vehicle applications. Engineered to stringent specifications and designed for unparalleled durability, this identification light kit is indispensable for ensuring adherence to critical federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and Canadian motor vehicle safety standards (CMVSS) 108. Specifically designed for trucks and trailers, particularly those exceeding 80 inches in overall width, these amber ID lights play a pivotal role in enhancing vehicle conspicuity and preventing potential accidents by clearly delineating the vehicle's presence and dimensions to other road users.
Unpacking FMVSS/CMVSS 108: The Mandate for Identification Lights
FMVSS 108, officially titled "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," is a comprehensive regulation that dictates the type, performance, and location of lighting and reflective devices on all motor vehicles and associated equipment manufactured for sale in the United States. Its Canadian counterpart, CMVSS 108, establishes similar requirements. For heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and trailers, compliance with these standards is not merely a recommendation but a legal imperative. Identification lights, often referred to as "ID lights," are a specific category within these regulations. They are typically installed in a cluster of three amber lights, spaced between 6 to 12 inches apart, at the front and/or rear of vehicles that are 80 inches or wider. Their primary function is to provide an unmistakable visual cue to oncoming or following traffic regarding the sheer width of the vehicle, particularly at night or in conditions of reduced visibility. This early warning allows other drivers to accurately gauge the vehicle's presence and adjust their driving behavior accordingly, significantly reducing the risk of side-swipe collisions or misjudgments of distance. The Buyers Products 0.75 Inch ID Light Kit is meticulously engineered to meet or exceed the photometric and positional requirements outlined in these crucial safety standards, offering fleet managers and owner-operators peace of mind regarding regulatory compliance.
The Technological Edge: 9-LED Illumination System
At the heart of this identification light kit is its advanced 9-LED (Light Emitting Diode) illumination system. LED technology has revolutionized automotive lighting, providing substantial advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs. The integration of 9 high-intensity amber LEDs ensures superior light output and distribution, making the vehicle highly visible from a distance and across a wide viewing angle. The benefits of this LED configuration are multifaceted:
- Exceptional Energy Efficiency: Operating at a mere 0.113 Amps at 12 Volts, with a total wattage of 1.36 Watts, these LED lights draw significantly less power than conventional bulbs. This minimal current draw reduces the load on the vehicle's electrical system, preserving battery life, decreasing alternator strain, and potentially contributing to marginal improvements in fuel efficiency. For fleet operators, this translates directly into reduced operational costs and increased reliability.
- Extended Lifespan: LEDs are solid-state devices with no filaments to break or gas to leak, making them inherently more durable and long-lasting than incandescent bulbs. The typical operational lifespan of these 9 LEDs can range from tens of thousands to over 100,000 hours, dramatically outperforming traditional bulbs which often last only a few hundred hours. This longevity drastically reduces the frequency of replacements and associated labor costs, minimizing vehicle downtime and improving overall fleet efficiency.
- Enhanced Durability and Resistance: The robust construction of the LED array makes it highly resistant to vibrations, shocks, and impacts – common occurrences in the demanding environments of heavy-duty trucking and trailer operations. Unlike fragile incandescent filaments, LEDs are not susceptible to sudden failure from road jarring or minor collisions, ensuring consistent illumination when it is most needed.
- Instantaneous Illumination: LEDs illuminate instantly and at full brightness, providing immediate visual feedback to other drivers. This rapid activation can be crucial in dynamic traffic situations, allowing for quicker recognition of the vehicle's presence.
- Consistent Light Output and Color Purity: The 9 amber LEDs produce a highly consistent and uniform amber light output, maintaining color purity over their entire lifespan. This ensures that the identification lights are always perceived correctly by other road users, without the color degradation or dimming that can affect older incandescent systems.
Precision Engineering: Design and Material Selection
The meticulous design and selection of high-grade materials underscore the commitment to quality and performance in the Buyers Products 0.75 Inch Amber ID Light Kit. Every aspect, from the recessed mounting to the lens and housing materials, is optimized for durability, functionality, and aesthetic integration.
- 0.75 Inch Recessed Mount: The 0.75-inch inner diameter and recessed mount type are critical design features. A recessed installation means the light unit sits flush or nearly flush with the mounting surface, providing a streamlined appearance and, more importantly, enhanced protection. By minimizing protrusion, the light is less susceptible to damage from impacts, snags, or pressure washing, which are common hazards in commercial vehicle operation. This compact form factor allows for discreet and versatile placement on various vehicle surfaces while maintaining full compliance with visibility requirements.
- Polycarbonate Lens Material: The round lens is manufactured from high-quality polycarbonate. This material is renowned for its exceptional impact resistance, making it virtually shatterproof – a vital attribute for lights exposed to road debris, gravel, and environmental elements. Beyond its strength, polycarbonate offers excellent optical clarity for maximum light transmission and is inherently resistant to UV radiation. This UV stability prevents yellowing, hazing, or degradation over time due to sun exposure, ensuring that the amber light output remains bright and compliant throughout the light's operational life.
- Durable Plastic Housing: The light housing is constructed from robust plastic. This material choice offers several advantages: it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant (unlike metallic housings that can rust or corrode in harsh weather or salted road conditions), and provides an additional layer of impact absorption. The durable plastic also contributes to the kit's overall weatherproofing, encapsulating and protecting the sensitive LED components from moisture, dust, and temperature extremes.
- Amber Color: The specific amber color of these lights is not arbitrary. Federal and provincial/state regulations typically mandate amber (or sometimes red for rearward-facing applications) for identification and side marker lights to ensure universal recognition and compliance. Amber is a highly visible color, particularly effective in low-light conditions, fog, or rain, making it an ideal choice for safety-critical identification functions.
Seamless Integration: Installation and Connectivity
Understanding that ease of installation and reliable electrical connection are paramount for commercial vehicle applications, this kit is designed for straightforward, robust integration into existing vehicle electrical systems.
- Hard-Wired System with 2 Wires: The product utilizes a hard-wired connection system with two wires (typically power and ground). This method provides a direct, secure, and permanent electrical link, minimizing points of failure associated with removable plugs or connectors that might vibrate loose in dynamic environments. The simplicity of a two-wire setup streamlines the installation process for technicians.
- .180 Inch Male Bullet Connectors: The inclusion of .180 inch male bullet connectors facilitates a professional and dependable electrical hookup. Bullet connectors are a common standard in automotive and trailer wiring due to their simplicity and effectiveness. When properly crimped and insulated, they provide a reliable current path. The specific size ensures compatibility with standard female bullet connectors or direct splicing into the vehicle's wiring harness, offering flexibility during installation.
- Comprehensive Kit Components: The "kit" aspect is crucial. It includes not only the amber ID lights but also a wiring harness and grommets. The pre-packaged wiring harness simplifies the electrical connection process, ensuring that the correct gauge wire and protective sheathing are used. The grommets are essential for a professional and durable recessed installation. They provide a snug, watertight seal around the light body where it penetrates the vehicle's surface, preventing moisture ingress and protecting the wiring from chafing against sharp edges of the mounting hole. This complete solution saves time and ensures all necessary components for a compliant and robust installation are readily available.
The Buyers Products Advantage: Quality Assurance and Warranty
As a product from Buyers Products, this 0.75 Inch Amber ID Light Kit benefits from a brand reputation synonymous with robust design, rigorous testing, and exceptional durability in the heavy-duty equipment sector. Buyers Products is known for engineering solutions that stand up to the demanding conditions faced by commercial vehicles, from extreme weather to constant vibration and heavy usage.
A standout feature of this product is its limited lifetime warranty. This warranty is a powerful testament to the manufacturer's confidence in the quality, materials, and workmanship of the identification light kit. For operators, a lifetime warranty on such a critical safety component translates into significant long-term value. It minimizes the total cost of ownership by eliminating potential replacement expenses due to manufacturing defects, providing invaluable peace of mind and reducing operational uncertainties. This commitment to enduring quality ensures that the investment in these lights will deliver reliable performance and regulatory compliance for the entire lifespan of the truck or trailer they adorn.
Applications and Strategic Importance
While primarily designed for the mandatory identification lighting on wide trucks and trailers, the compact and durable nature of the 0.75 Inch Amber ID Light Kit offers versatility. They are ideal for:
- Commercial Truck Fleets: Ensuring legal operation and enhanced safety for over-the-road haulers, delivery trucks, and specialized vocational vehicles.
- Trailer Manufacturers and Operators: Essential for flatbeds, dry vans, refrigerated trailers, and any trailer exceeding the 80-inch width threshold.
- Emergency and Utility Vehicles: Can be used for auxiliary amber lighting where additional conspicuity is desired, complementing existing lighting systems.
- Custom Vehicle Builds: Their small, recessed design makes them suitable for custom applications where a low-profile, high-performance amber light is required for aesthetic or functional purposes, while still meeting DOT compliance.
In conclusion, the Buyers Products 0.75 Inch Amber ID Light Kit with Male Bullets and 9 LEDs is more than just a lighting component; it is a critical safety and compliance solution for the commercial transport industry. Its advanced 9-LED technology offers unparalleled energy efficiency, extended longevity, and superior brightness. Constructed from resilient polycarbonate and durable plastic, and featuring a discreet recessed design, it is built to withstand the harshest operating conditions. With its comprehensive kit, hard-wired bullet connectors, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty from a trusted industry leader, this product represents a smart, reliable, and compliant investment for any operator prioritizing vehicle safety, regulatory adherence, and long-term performance.
