hey guys...just joined today and wish i had found this site sooner!! Lots of good info.
Anyways, a quick question
I have 3 Neon lights for inside my car that i would like to attach to a switch of some kind to turn them on/off.
I am currently doing a car audio install, so i figured this was the best time to lay the wire etc.
Each light is currently wired to go directly into the cigarette lighter (12 volt power source) so i assume i will have to cut them and put them together.
Anyways, whats the EASIEST way to do this?
What kind of switch, where should i get it (radio shack?) and how should i wire it?
I've never done anything like this before, although i have done car audio installs.
Thanks for all your help!
John
auto zone should have every thing you need . any switch should do .run a power wire from the batt to the + on the (should put a fuse in the line) then run a wire from the switch to the power wire on the neon(s) then just ground the other wire to the frame. if as you say thay stick in the lighter hole look at the two prongs on eather side one has a wire on it, that is your ground wrap a wire around it . the top with or w/o a fuse nipple is your power i just unscrew it run a wire thru it then screw it back so you have that fuse too (if it has one) hope it helps .
https://www./installs/photo_gallery_album.cfm?galleryid=2359
If you are installing a stereo now I would attach the + wires from the neons to the Ignition wire (red) of the new radio. I would also ground the neons either to the frame like mentioned above or to the radios ground.
Definately install a fuse inline if you are going to use a switch. The neons are low current so anything from a 3A switch up will work just fine. Make sure you use insulated contectors on the back, or tape up any exposed metal leads on the switch. You may even consider switching the ground wire of the neons, instead of the hot wire, as this will eliminate the chance of shorting out the neons at the switch.
-------------
Kevin Pierson