the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

do i need a relay?


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
tegguy 
Copper - Posts: 155
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2009
Location: Florida, United States
Posted: April 07, 2012 at 9:14 AM / IP Logged  
I am changing my reverse light switch on my 1972 chevelle to mount on the transmission and have a switch contact the reverse lever. I have a microswitch rated at 5 amps.
I was planning on passing ground through the switch using one of the transmission mounts as a ground and then the other side out to the revers lights.
My question is should I use a relay in-between the switch and the light to ensure i don't draw too much through the switch?
howie ll 
Pot Metal - Posts: 16,466
Pot Metal spacespace
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: April 07, 2012 at 11:10 AM / IP Logged  
Reversing lights use a 21 watt bulb. Say two on your vehicle = 42 watts, allow for wire losses down the length of cable, say 48 watts, then 48/12 = 4 and you can measure this on a DMM to make sure but at this point I would say you're OK.
tegguy 
Copper - Posts: 155
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2009
Location: Florida, United States
Posted: April 07, 2012 at 12:33 PM / IP Logged  
Thank you that's what I was thinking but I wanted another opinion
howie ll 
Pot Metal - Posts: 16,466
Pot Metal spacespace
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Posted: April 07, 2012 at 1:33 PM / IP Logged  
Just to make sure remove the wires from the switch, set your DMM to the 10 amp setting, connect the black lead to the switch end of the reversing light cable, turn on your ignition and connect the red lead to the supply side, bet you get a 3-4 amp draw.
tegguy 
Copper - Posts: 155
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 21, 2009
Location: Florida, United States
Posted: April 07, 2012 at 1:38 PM / IP Logged  
Ya once I get the car closer to being ready ill test it
oldspark 
Gold - Posts: 4,913
Gold spacespace
Joined: November 03, 2008
Location: Australia
Posted: April 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM / IP Logged  
FYI - I usually use a relay anyhow.
But if your switch is cheap and easy to replace, worry about it if it fails.

Sorry, you can NOT post a reply.
This topic is closed.

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Friday, April 26, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer