Wiring driving lights

[JDgreen227]

I want to install a pair of 55 watt driving lights on my tow vehicle, a 2000 GMC. The instructions included with the light kit (Bosch) state:

"Attach an in line fuse holder to a ring terminal (to connect to battery of vehicle) and a minimum 12 gauge size wire to provide power to the lights..."

I have never been comfortable with attaching any wires or cables directly to the battery of a vehicle EXCEPT for a battery cable. Is it really safe? Thanks.

Don't laugh....although I can rewire an entire house or outbuilding, automotive wiring to me is very much a mystery and I know little about it.

 

[B7510HSD]

I want to install a pair of 55 watt driving lights on my tow vehicle, a 2000 GMC. The instructions included with the light kit (Bosch) state:

"Attach an in line fuse holder to a ring terminal (to connect to battery of vehicle) and a minimum 12 gauge size wire to provide power to the lights..."

I have never been comfortable with attaching any wires or cables directly to the battery of a vehicle EXCEPT for a battery cable. Is it really safe? Thanks.

Don't laugh....although I can rewire an entire house or outbuilding, automotive wiring to me is very much a mystery and I know little about it.

It is safe just make sure and keep the fuse close as possible to the battery that way if a short ever occurs it will stop it faster!! BUT you will have power all the time lie this you may have an acc. termin al on the fuse panel that isn't used and operates off the key a tester will tell real quick!

 

[glkingar]

I have the 2000 Chevy Silverado which is a lot like your GMC. Under the hood is a fuse box. Inside that is an excellent location to tie into 12V. This is where I have made connections for extras because I don't like to connect to the battery terminal.

Hope this image works. It is from the service manual.

If you need a photo I can probably take one tomorrow or Monday.

Gerry

 

[crbr]

I want to install a pair of 55 watt driving lights on my tow vehicle, a 2000 GMC. The instructions included with the light kit (Bosch) state:

"Attach an in line fuse holder to a ring terminal (to connect to battery of vehicle) and a minimum 12 gauge size wire to provide power to the lights..."

I have never been comfortable with attaching any wires or cables directly to the battery of a vehicle EXCEPT for a battery cable. Is it really safe? Thanks.

Don't laugh....although I can rewire an entire house or outbuilding, automotive wiring to me is very much a mystery and I know little about it.

It's fine to run a hot wire from the battery. As stated, use a fused link within 12" - 18" of the battery terminal, or tie into the hot terminal as shown in the above diagram. Either way, as long as you use the proper rated fuse. No problems in tying into the battery directly.

.

 

[JDgreen227]

Thanks very much to all of you for the advice, and Gerry I do not need a photo. :thumbsup:

The in-line fuse will be within 6-8 inches of the power connection.

 

[radioman]

It's fine to run a hot wire from the battery. As stated, use a fused link within 12" - 18" of the battery terminal, or tie into the hot terminal as shown in the above diagram. Either way, as long as you use the proper rated fuse. No problems in tying into the battery directly.

.

yup - my trailer power comes from same location. :thumbsup: