Thread: Lights wiring

  1. #1
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    Default Lights wiring

    I've got a couple of questions about wiring for my lights. I've got 4 hella 500's I'm putting on the roof and I'm trying to decide whether or not to stay with 2 relays (1 per pair like the installation manual says) or 1 relay for all 4.

    If my calculations are correct (4 55 watt bulbs = 19amps), then using 10ga wire, instead of the 12ga wiring harness that comes with the lights, and a 40amp relay should be more than adequate to power all 4 lights and simplify my wiring.

    Any comments from those in the know??
    "Not all those who wander are lost."
    J.R.R. Tolkien

    "Money can't buy you happiness...
    but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."
    Spike Milligan

    2004 Tacoma Prerunner 4x4
    2004 KLR650

  2. #2
    Or you can fire 2 relays with one switch. As long as each relay has its own fuse it wont matter. That way if you lose a relay you will still have 1/2 your lights.
    This thread is about how snobby and elitist ExPo has become, not about EE's forum. Please stay on topic while bashing this forum on this forum.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by adrenaline503 View Post
    Or you can fire 2 relays with one switch. As long as each relay has its own fuse it wont matter. That way if you lose a relay you will still have 1/2 your lights.
    I'm not too worried about a relay going bad, I carry extras. I use to have the lights wired with 2 relays into 1 switch, but it took 2 sets of wiring to get there. Basically I'm trying to clean up the wiring (i.e. get rid of a few). Thanks though.
    "Not all those who wander are lost."
    J.R.R. Tolkien

    "Money can't buy you happiness...
    but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."
    Spike Milligan

    2004 Tacoma Prerunner 4x4
    2004 KLR650

  4. #4
    In that case your math looks good and one 40Amp relay should work.
    This thread is about how snobby and elitist ExPo has become, not about EE's forum. Please stay on topic while bashing this forum on this forum.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by adrenaline503 View Post
    In that case your math looks good and one 40Amp relay should work.
    Ok. Wanted a second opinion. If I'm reading the wire gauge charts right, then 10ga should hold that amperage just fine.

    Now to finish wiring them up.....

    .....and check that the fire extinguisher is in good shape.....

    Electrical guru I am not....
    "Not all those who wander are lost."
    J.R.R. Tolkien

    "Money can't buy you happiness...
    but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."
    Spike Milligan

    2004 Tacoma Prerunner 4x4
    2004 KLR650

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