Relay Question.

[Gear]

I am about to wire up some rock lights/ camp lights for my Adventure Trailers, Chaser #15. The question I have is can I have 2 different switch locations for the same relay. If so would the trigger(switch wire) just be placed parallel to one another at the relay? I would like one switch on the trailer for camping use and one switch inside the Jeep. Your thoughts.
Thanks:)

[asteffes]

Yes, you can do that. Either switch would activate the relay. Keep in mind that if one switch was turned on, the other will not be able to turn off the relay since you'll have two parallel power sources for the relay.

[HenryJ]

If you want two switches to operate the lights both off and on it can be done. You need a bipolar latching relay. The relay will be activated by a momentary switch. As many switches as you like can be added.

Now the catch...I have not been able to find a small one for use in automotive applications.

The good news...you can make your own! 12volt.com (http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp) -
Latched On/Off Output Using a Single Momentary Pulse (http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp#lsp)

http://www.the12volt.com/images/latchonoffspnd.gif

[Gear]

Thanks Adam. Just another reason why the Portal is so great. Quick response time. Thanks again.

[+ d]

you should be able to wire it up just like a domestic 3-way switch...
http://www.act-solutions.com/images/fig02.gif

which you could do with a single pole double throw switch...i think.

[Gear]

Ok guys its been like, three minutes. Thanks to all for your input. :wings:

[njtaco]

I would do as +d said... this circuit is in A LOT of RV's, both lighting and pump circuits. For example, to turn the water pump (12V) on or off from the bathroom OR the kitchen. You can even get illuminated (when load is turned on) rocker switches for this.

Assuming you want to use a single wire to trigger this from the Jeep, (like the center lug on a 7-way plug?) you would use a relay for the second "switch". The relay would be like the ones illustrated in HenryJ's post. This relay would still require use of the existing ground circuit. (And the switch in the jeep will not light up when the trailer switch is turned on.)

This is all in addition to the dedicated, fused relay in the secondary (light) circuit. You want to make sure you isolate the wiring so you in no way bypass whatever you use to isolate your starting and aux batteries, too. This will probably not be an issue, but is worth checking.

Another option may be the driving/fog lights that install with a remote control (wireless) switch. Check the Hella site, I think they sell them.

Now I have to go chase electrons in HenryJ's illustration.

Good luck.

Bob

[HenryJ]

...Another option may be the driving/fog lights that install with a remote control (wireless) switch. Check the Hella site, I think they sell them.
Good one!
That is what I did for my remote mounted removable winch lights - Wireless control winch lights (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3679)

[njtaco]

Your link is where I first saw those! So it wasn't Hella... I have seen the wireless ones in Wal-mart since, though. Of that I am sure. LOL!