auxiliary lighting
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Relays
Forum Discription: Relay Diagrams, SPDT Relays, SPST Relays, DPDT Relays, Latching Relays, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=106870
Printed Date: July 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Topic: auxiliary lighting
Posted By: dm6156
Subject: auxiliary lighting
Date Posted: August 18, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I am looking for some "design" help in wiring up some auxiliary lighting (2 sets) on my 2002 dodge Dakota.
For the 1st set (2 lights @ 100w - off road lights) facing forward.
For the 2nd set (2 lights @ 55w - long range) facing backward.
I want each set of lights to have it's own switch and relay and to be powered independently. What I am thinking is that I want to buy a 3 or 4 position relay box (I want it to be fully covered) and use SPDT 30a relays. In the future I may add a 3rd set of lights that is why i want a 3 or 4 position relay box. Each relay should have it's own fuse.
Does anyone know where i can pick up a combo relay and fuse box? My 2nd preference would be to pick up a fuse box and a relay box. I don't want to use individual sockets for each relay nor a 2 position socket. I want a nice, neat, clean install under the hood. Is this combo fuse/relay box something I may be able to get from a dealer?
As far as the fuse box goes, do they wire directly to the battery and then have smaller/individual wires inside for each fuse (I assume so just like vehicles have from the factory? Has anyone ever wired a relay and fuse box together?
Is there anyway to have 0 power draw when the lights are turned completely off? Sometimes I spend all day away from my truck and want to minimize a battery failure as some of the places I visit are up to 45 minutes from the nearest road (secondary road). I spend a lot of time hiking and fishing in some remote mountain regions. I am thinking about switches that are not illuminated. Anything else I should be aware of?
I'm thinking a basic design times 2 - battery to fuse to relay to switch to lights (I know ground each light separately). I found a perfect spot under my bumper for some square lights so grounding will be easy.
any comments or suggestions is appreciated.
- Dan M
Replies:
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: August 18, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Posted By: dm6156
Date Posted: August 18, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Thanks. That is the basic Idea of what I had in mind. Except I'd like to have a "professional" looking install and have the fuses/relays in a covered box.
I'll continue my internet searches.
- Dan M
Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: August 18, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Wow, I didn't realize that a wiring diagram would actually affect the appearance of the actual install.
Posted By: leprechaun1874
Date Posted: August 20, 2008 at 7:00 PM
The "professional" install part is up to you dm. The wiring diagram just shows how to do it.
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