work light relay

Hi guys.
Going to need a bit of help wiring in a rear work light.

Few questions:
Firstly can anyone reccomend which work light i should get?

Also is there a correct size relay i need? I know i need one but never used one before (prob why the switch melted when i put lights on my mini!)

Lastly, i know roughly how im going to wire it. I know where im going to run the wires and that i need a relay. Im going to take the live direct from the battery and place the switch i the the dash. Any assistance in explaining the circuit i need to wire would be much appreciated!!

Thanks. Chris

chrismasters said:

Hi guys.
Going to need a bit of help wiring in a rear work light.

Few questions:
Firstly can anyone reccomend which work light i should get?

Also is there a correct size relay i need? I know i need one but never used one before (prob why the switch melted when i put lights on my mini!)

Lastly, i know roughly how im going to wire it. I know where im going to run the wires and that i need a relay. Im going to take the live direct from the battery and place the switch i the the dash. Any assistance in explaining the circuit i need to wire would be much appreciated!!

Thanks. Chris

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Depends on how many watts your light/lights are going to be in total.
Just divide total watts of lights by the battery voltage will give you amps.

Most of the relays you get from auto shop are capable of at least 30 amps so you would be flat out drawing mor than that.

chrismasters said:

Hi guys.
Going to need a bit of help wiring in a rear work light.

Few questions:
Firstly can anyone reccomend which work light i should get?

Also is there a correct size relay i need? I know i need one but never used one before (prob why the switch melted when i put lights on my mini!)

Lastly, i know roughly how im going to wire it. I know where im going to run the wires and that i need a relay. Im going to take the live direct from the battery and place the switch i the the dash. Any assistance in explaining the circuit i need to wire would be much appreciated!!

Thanks. Chris

Click to expand...

go to Halfords and ask for a spot light wiring kit, about a tenner - and will include everything you need

including a circuit diagram and SIMPLE instructions

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_169807_langId_-1_categoryId_165688

The wiring kits from paddock are alot better and half the price and the diagram is simple think it cost around 6 quid.

buy cheap buy twice

Halfords = expensive and usualy not very good

As for wiring up a work light, it depends on the watage you intend on having, and type of switch you intend on using. You can purchase switchs capable of taking a good 10 amps. (the head light switch on your landy powers two 50Watt lights without a relay - so before going putting relays etc into the circuit, have a look for a decent switch to use.

The main use of relays is when you want for example the fog light to only come on when the side lights are on - you draw the power to opperate the relay of the side light circuit/switch and then use the relay to switch a new circuit off the battery, hence not putting both the side lights and fog lights through the standard switch.

If you want to use a low power switch then obviously you will need a relay but for a single 55W work light you realy don't need to use one if the switch is good

just divide the watage by 12 to get the ampage.

Also make sure you put an fuse in the circuit between the battery and the relay.

I have a second fuse box screwed to the rear bukhead to run aux circuits like this off with some 25mm cable feeding it directly off the battery

ALSO MAKE SURE YOUR CABLE IS THICK ENOUGH FOR THE CURRENT FLOWING, AS CHEEP THIN WIRE WILL CAUSE YOU TO GET A DIM LIGHT, AND WILL MELT

jamescronin said:

Halfords = expensive and usualy not very good

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Halfords = massive bulk buying discount + legal obligation to sell items fit for purpose

James Cronin = cream cracker stacker in Tesco (part time)

Sean = tall person

Sean said:

Halfords = massive bulk buying discount + legal obligation to sell ****e

James Cronin = cream cracker stacker in Tesco (part time) correct

Sean = tall person with big head

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I agree

fanatic said:

I agree

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i take it Santa didnt bring you that action man outfit you asked for again

it would seem not, good evening

Bloody hell!! and all chrismasters wanted to know is what size relay, not who has cheapest this that and the other.

ssmn1234 said:

Bloody hell!! and all chrismasters wanted to know is what size relay, not who has cheapest this that and the other.

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so if someone had of told him to go buy a 30A relay the thread would have ended with just the 2 posts ?

i can see at least 4 separate questions

Sean said:

so if someone had of told him to go buy a 30A relay the thread would have ended with just the 2 posts ?

i can see at least 4 separate questions

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Happy new year Sean.

No, I was not suggesting anything of the sort, was just an observation as for such a simple question, things started to go off track with mine better an yours thing happening.

Well thanks for all the replies guys! Like the idea of putting a seperate fuse box on the rear bulkhead. Think i understand it all...look out for a decent switch that is fused at say at 10amps or if not add a relay into the circuit.
Happy new year!

chrismasters said:

Well thanks for all the replies guys! Like the idea of putting a seperate fuse box on the rear bulkhead. Think i understand it all...look out for a decent switch that is fused at say at 10amps or if not add a relay into the circuit.
Happy new year!

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Yep you've got it and if you do a search for my font of all knowledge thread, there's a couple of wiring diagrams in there if you get stuck.

Got it in one.

I always use marine grade gear as its usualy durable, not cheep and nasty, and quite often than not splash proof as well. - does cost a bit more mind you, but often worth it in the long run. - If you live near the coast pop down to your local marina shop

at this rate the OPs landy will double in value just cos he's fitted a work light, BoB will prolly be along shortly to tell us about the aviation grade kit he uses

55w / 12v = 4.58amps why not just go for a 10amp carling switch