Wiring and Switches Question

Wiring and Switches Question

Author
Discussion

RickApple

Original Poster:

429 posts

242 months

Saturday 22nd January 2005
quotequote all
I'm about to finish off installing my driving/fog/spot lamp set [whatever they are!] and would like to know where to wire my switch positive feed too. Some of you have suggested the main beam live; if i were to wire them independantly, can i wire straight into any live feed on the bulkhead fuse box, and if i do so, will this necessitate a different fuse being installed? The switches themselves are non illuminated 12v toggle switches. I understand that for MOT/legal reasons extra lamps are supposed to be wired in through the main beam; this will be the case, but i want to wire them for now on their own as i plan a future rewiring of the main lighting circuits to include relays and so on.. Thanks very much!

andy_ash

7,741 posts

238 months

Saturday 22nd January 2005
quotequote all
I'd chuck a relay or two in now. I don't know the specifics of your car or setup, but the little switches at the bottom of the stalks aren't usually designed to take all that current on their own.

Given that you can pick up a 15A relay from halfords for virtually no money, even if it's taped up in a bundle under the dash, it'll be cheaper (and less hassle) than replacement stalks.

Unless your wiring is so bad that it prevents access to the brakes, Mr MOT doesn't care what your wiring looks like. All that matters to him is that the lamps do what they are supposed to.

Don't forget to make sure that there is a fuse in each of the paths between power and ground! :-)

RickApple

Original Poster:

429 posts

242 months

Saturday 22nd January 2005
quotequote all
I've wired the four spots as two independend groups of two [thats gcse maths for you...] through two 12v relays, so thats not a problem. Will it be ok then if i just take the positive for the low current 'switcher' circuit from a fuse box live? Obviously it needs to be a permanent on circuit, but are there any i should avoid? Thanks for your help.