| Author | Message | ||
     Justin Krawitz (Neveroverrover) New Member Username: Neveroverrover Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hey all, I checked through the archives but I can't seem to find something that matches my scenario. I am trying to install a couple sets of light on my Disco and this is what have: 1ea. 12v 30amp relay (Came with Hellas) 1ea. Earth, load, supply toggle switch (Came with Hellas) 4ea. Fog lights (Not Hellas but generic lights) I am trying to install the lights with the use of the switch and relay but all I can seem to find is info on either using the factory fog lamp switch or integrating with the low beams. I want to be able to turn the fogs off and on with the switch and utilize the relay. Is it really needed to use a relay or can I just use a fuse? Is it ok to crip connect and shrink wrap the connections or should I solder them instead of crimping? I am sorry I am sure this has gotten asked before but I am new to all of this so any help for a newbie would be greatly appreciated!. Thanks so much! Justin K. | ||
| Jack Edwards (Olered) Senior Member Username: Olered Post Number: 467 Registered: 04-2002 |
www.discoweb.org/lights | ||
| Justin Krawitz (Neveroverrover) New Member Username: Neveroverrover Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2003 |
This is what I already read. I did some more reading elsewhere I have come to the conclusion that unless you want to integrate with your headlamps there is no need for a relay and a fuse will suffice with a switch. Can anyone confirm this? | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 453 Registered: 04-2003 |
I'd agree with that. There will doubtless be those here who will say you must use the relay no matter what, but I think an inline fuse is enough protection. If you run separate switches to each set of lights, that is. Please note, my comments are worthless if those lights are 110W or greater -- if you have high-wattage lights I'd suggest the relay. I have the 55W Hellas and a fuse is enough. Crimping and shrink-wrapping the connections should work fine -- solder just guarantees the connections' respective longevities. | ||
| Jack Edwards (Olered) Senior Member Username: Olered Post Number: 468 Registered: 04-2002 |
Use a relay and a fuse. Better to be safe than sorry in my opinion. Did you read all of the information from that section? Trust me, it's the way to go. It wires up clean and looks good. This is useful should the need to troubleshoot arise. I tried going the easy way and later trashed everything. I prefer the Greg Parrish set up. | ||
| Bill Mallin (Billmallin) New Member Username: Billmallin Post Number: 34 Registered: 09-2003 |
Justin: You need to use a relay. It's actually a simple deal--as a matter of fact Santa brought me three Hellas for Christmas; hence, I installed 'em. (I like that word: "hence").  I'm bored at work today (not many people here), so here goes: Now this is an extremely simplistic view of it-- Essentially a relay is a switch. It's off. When you send power to it; it's on. The relay can handle the amps for the lights. The switch may not be able to, so you may fry your switch. The switch is used to control the relay. Turn on the switch, the relay closes, and the power is sent to the lights (again, very simplistic view, but I think it will meet your needs). Big wire from battery to relay. Big wire from relay to lights. Little wire from battery to switch. Little wire from switch to relay. Little ground wire from relay to ground. The switch turns on the relay, the relay then allows power to go to the lights. Now "Big" = whatever gauge your light manufacturer recommends (10 or 12 gauge should do it, but it depends on your lights. I used 10 for my Helles). "Little" = whatever your relay manufacturer recommends (14 gauge should do it). You said four fog lights. Depending on the lights (and your relay) you may need two relays--one relay per pair of lights. A picture says a thousand words--here: http://www.houstonlandroverclub.com/discoweb/fog_lights.gif Though completely ugly, it should answer your question. Don't crimp anything with mechanical connectors. They come loose. Braid the wires together and use heat shink. I use two layers of heat shink, but that's me. I also use that plastic flex tubing to cover it all up when done--makes for a nice professional appearance. Leave some slack in the wiring when you zip-tie everything up. The slack ensures nothing is pulled loose. Always test everything before you heat shink and zip-tie. Make sure you put in fuses as well. I drew a few on the ugly picture. I think that sums it up... anything I forgot? Bill Mallin Web Dood Houston Land Rover Club http://www.houstonlandroverclub.com 2001 Disco AKA "Sherman" | ||
| Victor Biro (Vabiro) Member Username: Vabiro Post Number: 101 Registered: 10-2003 |
Justin, The relay and the fuse perform two *completely* different functions, and a fuse is not going to take the place of a relay in any way shape or form. I can not emphasis this enough! The fuse will protect against the power wire being shorted out, or too much current being drawn, but does not protect against the lamps drawing too much power through a switch that is under-rated, or a wire that is too thin. I just hooked up the Hella harness for my 4000s. I'm not sure if you are using the same harness, but the principal is the same. All that the power from the headlights does is turn the magnet in the relay on by throwing the switch. One side of the switch connects to a power supply (the headlights), and the other to the relay. Just connect the power side of the wire to any power source. You will seldom hear about the guy that burned out his car because he didn't follow the directions to use a relay. They are usually too embarassed to talk about it. victor | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 457 Registered: 04-2003 |
Simplicity, fellas. Big enough wire + Higher-rated switch + Fuse = Safe. It's that simple. | ||
| Justin Krawitz (Neveroverrover) New Member Username: Neveroverrover Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2003 |
Wow! Thanks for the wealth of information. I think I am going to go with the relay setup after hearing what you all have to say. I will let you all know how it turns out. Today I was overwelmed with information on DiscoWeb as to installing my fog lights "hence"  I will be installing them soon. :P Thanks guys, you are a great help! Justin K. | ||
| John W (Disco_gold) New Member Username: Disco_gold Post Number: 22 Registered: 09-2003 |
Justin, Some of the info in the following link was mentioned above, but I found it very useful when I installed my IPFs. Hope it helps. http://www.disco2.com/howto/traveller/auxwire.phtml | ||
| Justin Krawitz (Neveroverrover) New Member Username: Neveroverrover Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2003 |
Awesome site! Thanks John... Some other cool info I needed on there. Justin K. |
