So Do Auxillary LED Lights Need A Relay.

[Midniteoyl]

No point installing a relay if it isn't required. But I would install yet another fuse, even though the circuit you are using is probably already fused.

As far as bugs go. A friend told me on the weekend that a Retrofit lighting contractor told her, that LEDs have the benefit of not attracting bugs. I told her, that the new LED light we installed in the garden seems to attract Bugs just fine. Is it a (color)temperature issue by chance?

I believe its the manufacturer as some LEDs leak more UV than others.

Correction: LED Lights Do Attract Bugs. | Energy Circle Insights Blog

LED lights don’t attract insects. True or false? | Lux Magazine | Luxreview.com | Americas | Home page

 

[rodnok]

Short version: no, you dont need a relay for led lighting.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Interesting article. Funny though. They still claim that insects arn't attracted to Red, Yet we used to have all manner of problems with insects being attracted to the Red LED on smoke alarms, getting into the chamber and causing a false alarm.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Interesting article. Funny though. They still claim that insects arn't attracted to Red, Yet we used to have all manner of problems with insects being attracted to the Red LED on smoke alarms, getting into the chamber and causing a false alarm.

Bet you had more UV (blue) leaking through that red lens than you think.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Short version: no, you dont need a relay for led lighting.

Depends on the LED lighting. For what the OP described, no. For some, yes. Depends on the current draw.

 

[petegoud]

Another thing one can do is actually measure the current used by the LED's. I use a Fluke 87, and have found that in some cases the actual draw in amperage was a little more than the stated draw on the LED's. That can make a difference if you're using a switch which is just barely rated in amperage. Another example of a good reason to use a relay might be if the wiring length could be shortened (a more direct route) instead of routing the wire to where it's convenient to use a switch. That said, the fastest, and easiest way to wire an LED is still probably a through a switch, just make sure it can handle the load.

 

[ArlyA]

I have to agree with Pete. You shouldn't need a relay for 2, low draw LED lights. But as Pete states, there is a large quality disparity in switches. When the manufacture states "10 amps" they are kidding. Where we use them, we commonly break the internal parts and then have a switch that does not go back to neutral. Not good for us. When we find one that can hold up to our hard use, they cost more, but we buy supply of them.

I might take a little issue with the 'most toggle switches can handle 10 amps'. I've replaced too many '10 amp' switches that have failed when being used in circuits drawing 7-8 amps. Cheap switches perhaps. Relays are really the best way to go.

 

[rodnok]

Lets get real here. IF the wire is the correct size for the current draw and so is the switch a relay is not Needed. If the user is replacing incandescent lights with LED lights of the same lumens the wire that is present is more than sufficient. LED lighting draws approximaely 25% of the current than incandecent.

 

[AJ197816134]

Great points made here, I just had to ask a friend who put a light bar on his tow truck why he has a 50 amp toggle switch, some ungodly looking 50's type of switch... It was a rotating bar lots of amps, I ran a continuous duty solenoid, and a 3.00 switch in his cab, LIGHTED mind I add. and he is still baffled...

I know some have spoke of small gauges of wires on newer machines, AMP draw is reduced, but correctly placed relays are more important...

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Lets get real here. IF the wire is the correct size for the current draw and so is the switch a relay is not Needed. If the user is replacing incandescent lights with LED lights of the same lumens the wire that is present is more than sufficient. LED lighting draws approximaely 25% of the current than incandecent.

Of course. But if you are adding new lights, you have to know the real current draw (as has been pointed out) and then choose your wiring, and switch or relay appropriately.

Just saying, "LEDs don't need relays." is wrong.