Installation Guide and FAQ
What You’re Installing
The Putco YellowJacket LED rooftop strobe light bar is a hardwired, professional-grade warning light designed for work trucks, fleet vehicles, and emergency response setups. It is built for permanent or semi-permanent mounting and integrates directly into your vehicle’s 12V electrical system.
Tools and Materials You May Need
- – Basic hand tools (socket set, screwdrivers, trim tools)
- – Drill (only if using permanent mounting method)
- – Wire crimpers or connectors
- – Fuse tap or inline fuse holder
- – Electrical tape or heat shrink
- – Zip ties for wire management
Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Location
- – Select a flat, stable mounting surface on the roof or headache rack
- – Ensure the light bar is centered for maximum visibility
- – Verify clearance for wiring and mounting hardware
- – Confirm no interference with antennas, roof rails, or other accessories
Step 2: Mount the Light Bar
- – Position the YellowJacket light bar in the desired location
- – Use included mounting hardware or brackets, depending on your setup
- – Tighten all mounting points securely to prevent vibration
- – If drilling is required, check for wiring or airbags before drilling
Step 3: Route the Wiring
- – Route the power cable into the cab through an existing grommet when possible
- – Avoid sharp edges, moving parts, and high-heat areas
- – Secure wiring with zip ties to prevent movement or wear
- – Keep wiring clean and organized for long-term durability
Step 4: Connect to Power
- – Connect the positive wire to a fused 12V power source
- – Use a fuse tap or connect directly to the battery with an inline fuse
- – Connect the ground wire to a clean, bare metal grounding point
- – Ensure all connections are tight and properly insulated
Step 5: Install the Control Switch
- – Mount the switch in an accessible location inside the cab
- – Connect switch wiring according to the wiring diagram
- – Verify switch operation before finalizing installation
Step 6: Test the System
- – Power on the system and confirm the light bar activates
- – Cycle through available flash patterns
- – Check for consistent operation and secure mounting
- – Make final adjustments as needed
YellowJacket Installation FAQ
Is the YellowJacket plug-and-play?
No. The YellowJacket is a hardwired LED strobe light bar. It connects directly to your vehicle’s 12V system and requires basic wiring.
What voltage does it support?
The YellowJacket is designed for standard 12V vehicle electrical systems. Always confirm your vehicle’s voltage before installation.
Do I need to drill into my roof?
It depends on your mounting method. Some installations require drilling for a permanent mount, while others may use brackets, magnets, or alternative mounting systems.
Can I install this myself?
- – Yes if you have basic 12V wiring knowledge and tools
- – Recommended for DIY installers comfortable with routing wires and making secure connections
- – Professional installation is an option if you want a fully integrated setup
Where should I connect power?
- – Use a fused 12V source for safe and reliable operation
- – Battery connection provides the most consistent power
- – Fuse tap allows integration into your vehicle’s fuse panel
What is a good ground connection?
- – A clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle chassis
- – Avoid painted or coated surfaces that reduce conductivity
- – Secure tightly to prevent intermittent operation
How do I route wiring into the cab?
- – Use factory grommets in the firewall whenever possible
- – Avoid drilling new holes unless necessary
- – Seal any openings to prevent water intrusion
How many flash patterns are included?
The YellowJacket includes 33 programmable flash and strobe patterns designed for work truck, fleet, and emergency warning applications. This gives you the flexibility to match visibility needs for different environments such as roadside work, jobsite safety, and high-traffic conditions.
Does it have pattern memory?
Yes. The YellowJacket features pattern memory with 33 programmable flash patterns that are controlled by tapping the ground wire. Once selected, the pattern is saved and automatically resumes the last used mode every time the light is powered on. This eliminates the need to reset patterns on each use and is ideal for fleet consistency.
Is it weatherproof?
Yes. The YellowJacket is built as a fully sealed LED rooftop strobe light bar designed for extreme-duty environments.
- – IP69K-rated construction protects against high-pressure water, dust, and harsh weather
- – Designed to withstand automatic car washes, pressure washing, and road spray
- – Polycarbonate lens resists UV damage, fading, and cracking over time
- – Aluminum base improves heat dissipation for long-term performance
- – Built for year-round use in rain, snow, mud, and jobsite conditions
Will it hold up in car washes?
- – Designed to handle high-pressure water and harsh environments
- – Suitable for automatic car washes and commercial wash systems
- – Built for long-term durability in fleet and jobsite conditions
How durable is the YellowJacket?
- – Engineered for continuous use in demanding work truck and fleet environments
- – Solid-state LED design with long operational lifespan
- – Resistant to vibration, impact, and harsh road conditions
- – Backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty for long-term reliability and confidence
What vehicles is this best for?
- – Work trucks and contractor vehicles
- – Fleet vehicles and service trucks
- – Emergency and roadside assistance vehicles
- – Utility, construction, and municipal equipment
What is the lifespan of the LEDs?
The YellowJacket is built with a solid-state LED system designed for long-term, continuous use in work truck and fleet environments. While exact hour ratings are not specified, the durability and longevity are backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty, which reflects its expected lifespan under real-world conditions.
- – Designed for daily operation in demanding jobsite and roadside environments
- – Solid-state LEDs resist burnout, vibration, and performance degradation
- – Efficient heat management helps extend LED life over time
- – 10-year warranty supports long-term reliability and consistent performance
In practical terms, this is not a light bar you replace frequently. It is built to last the life of the vehicle or fleet cycle under normal use.
Final Thoughts
The Putco YellowJacket LED rooftop strobe light bar is built for visibility, durability, and real-world work truck use. Proper installation ensures reliable performance, long lifespan, and maximum safety, whether you are on the jobsite, roadside, or managing fleet vehicles.
