How to wire two switches for one light?

[ZJARCHER]

Ive been trying to figure this out on my own, but not much of a wiring guru.

How do I wire two switches for one light? My idea is to have one switch in cab and one in-bed for a rear facing led light that ill have on a "swivel"... can anyone whip together a diagram for the wiring newb?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mtbikerTi]

You'll need two SPDT switches, here's a diagram:

 

[Vegas_Nick]

Pretty much like this. Ad a diode to stop back feeding and you are done.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Very simple. You need two SPDT switches. Look up how to wire a 3-way switch on Google.

 

[Hilldweller]

I hate "travelers" and usually wind up zapping myself.
http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/04/15/rv-three-way-light-switch-circuit

 

[/dev/m416]

Every handy man/woman should have a copy of "Wiring Simplified." Published annually to keep up with national codes, you can get by with an older copy as the basics of electricity never change.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listing/2691743675846 for example is only $1.99

 

[ZJARCHER]

Thank you all!

Im assuming they make SPDT switches that are more auto-oriented, not home/RV?

Just ordered that book as well!

 

[ZJARCHER]

Thanks!

One more question... should I "combine" to one relay or use individual relays, per switch? Dumb question, but until that book gets here, you guys are my best resource haha

 

[DaveInDenver]

I'd drive a single relay coil with the SPDT switches, but using two NO/NC relays would give you some flexibility in how the 3-way switch operates.

See options 6 and 7 here: https://www.controlanything.com/Relay/Device/RELAY_LOGIC

 

[Inyo_man]

I used the same set-up for a rear work light.
Ran power from the battery to the first three way switch in the dash, continued the run up the a-pillar and behind the head liner.
The powder then enters the rear door where there is a switch mounted on the inside, in the door panel. After the second switch I ran the wire through the relay provided by the light manufacturer. Finally, the wire pops out the rear of the door and is hooked up to the lamp. It works a treat.
Good Luck.


I didn't do a very good job of documenting the wiring of this project, but here is a link...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/127342-Telescoping-rear-light