Need Help, Lights, I must be dummer than most

[PineRidge]

I would use a relay for the forward set of lights and a second relay for your other lights so that you can work them independent of each other.

Relays are real cheap, check out a FR-11 here click here for realys and a relay harness page 14 of their on-line catalog.

 

[surfran]

Tom,

If it were me for the 55w halogen lights I would want 2 circuits with 2 lights on each. The 2 lights would draw 9.8 amps so a 15-20 amp circuit would be fine. I believe the one under the seat is a 20 amp if my memory serves correctly so that could be 1 of them.

Depending on your flashing units current draw I would say you can combine the power feed for that with one of the light circuits. Same thing for the windshield wiper if the current isn't to high (<9 amps ) you could put that on the other circuit.

Pineridge has done a nice job with his quick sketch showing both options of using a relay or just a switch. If you choose to use a switch only, make sure it is rated at least 15 - 20 amps depending on your requirements for the wiper or flasher.

12 AWG should be fine but not solid copper house wiring. You should use a stranded type copper wiring like automotive or similar. You should be able to pick this up at Autozone or similar auto store.

Last of all make sure you fuse the circuits as Pineridge has shown (note the one under the seat is already fused).

Good luck,

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Thanks for the info.

Anyone have a web site for a plastic box to put all this electrical stuff into?

 

[surfran]

I didn't take the time to search one, but I'm sure that Newark or McMaster Carr or maybe even Grainger would probably have something to suit you. You could also contact a local electrical distributor and get a Hoffman box if these don't pan out.

I assume the unit will be in the cab, so I would say most any box would do as it won't be in the weather.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Radio Shack has something that will work I think.

6x3x2" Durable ABS box $3.79

web page

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[surfran]

Looks good to me.

Can't wait until the pictures start coming in /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[texbaylea]

Check Radio Shack store or catalog or go to DigiKey on the web for boxes, switches and such.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

As a follow up

I have been thinking about the wiring of the lights and have come up with the following, let me know what you think.

I plan to run a 10 gauge wire from the battery to the (http://www.sherco-auto.com/catalog.pdf) fuse block on pg 10, HD Fuse Block # ET220, very short run less then 2 feet. From the fuse block I will run 3 separate circuits each on 12 gauge wire to a box with 3 switches, switch one: 2-55 watt front lights, switch two: rear single 55 watt light, switch 3: roof revolving light ( 1-55 watt bulb) and power to the windshield wiper, it has its own switch on the unit. I plan to add a 325 watt electric heater off the fuse block. Do you think the 10 gauge wire to the fuse block will handle all of the above?

Will it work? Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Thanks for the input. I am not sure if the alternator is 40 or 60 amps. I just checked the heater, it has two settings, 150 or 235 watts, so if I keep on the low setting I should be OK. Any other comments?

 

[PineRidge]

Switches don't like high amp draws. Rather than take the chance that a switch will overheat on one of your circuits why not cover your tracks and use an inexpensive relay to handle the load on each circuit. Each is available at Sherico Auto page 14 relay #FR-11 @ $2.50 each and you will also need a harness for the relay to plug into item #SK787 @ $1.25 each. I can help with a wiring diagram if you would like.

If you do it right, you'll only need do it once. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

TC-40D SS web pictures click here