Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Auto electric Question?

  • 03-02-2010 1:11pm
    #1
    limericklad87
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭


    I was just wondering whether it would be safe to wire additional lighting direct from the battery in a simple circuit including a switch inside on the dash. I'm aware that these lights will now come on even without the keys but is there any danger in doing this?

    Cheers


Comments

  • #2
    ART6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,632 ✭✭✭ART6


    You will need to put fuses close to the battery or a fault anywhere in the circuit could set fire to the car. The battery has more than enough power to fry a lighting cable.


  • #3
    CarMuppet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 521 ✭✭✭CarMuppet


    No danger as long as you know your currents/ratings and fuse everything.

    You will need a fuse on the light(s) side, and a relay to switch your new lights on/off controlled by a switch, I'd personally fuse the relay too.. :)

    Depending on the current (watts of bulbs) involved you need to watch the thickness of the supply cable.. run all cables through flexible conduit.

    I normally use this place in the UK to buy all my gear:
    http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu

    (I have no affiliations with this company, just find their service quite good)..

    What is the wattage of the bulbs you're adding?

    Best of luck,
    CarMuppet..


  • #4
    limericklad87
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 717 ✭✭✭limericklad87


    its actually only a small flashing LED bar.... nothing major

    Any recommendations for fuse type and cable....

    Bought 16amp cable in halfords and a small fuse box....

    Any suggestions welcomed


  • #5
    74merc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭74merc


    If you are only connecting up a couple of LEDS, I'd just take a feed from a permanent live, for example the cigarette lighter.


  • #6
    Mr.David
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,704 ✭✭✭Mr.David


    Mates of mine did this on a road trip across the US - hooked up disco strobe lights inside an old chevy straight off the battery.

    Anyway, driving through somewhere a few weeks later (strobe lights off thank god) they got a strong smell of petrol and pulled into a garage. there was a major fuel leak and there was petrol pissing all over the engine bay.

    Had he turned on the lights at that time.......BOOM!!!!!! :eek:


  • Advertisement
Advertisement