Do I really need a relay for 7 Harbor Freight Rock lights? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

hawkcharmer · 05-30-2023, 11:56 AM

Hello,

Just picked up 8 Harbor Freight LED Rock lights. I will only use 7 lights.
Each light is 4.4W each, about 0.42A each
30.8W total / 2.94A total

I was thinking of running all 7 lights to battery or my 6 blade blue sea fuse block under the steering wheel and using factory OEM toyota switch.
I will also be using 16 Gauge wire. This should be fine. The runs are not that long

The switch is 21 Amp at 14 Volts DC.

Will I be fine running it like this or do I absolutely need a relay?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank You

RodrickHeffley · 05-30-2023, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkcharmer

Hello,

Just picked up 8 Harbor Freight LED Rock lights. I will only use 7 lights.
Each light is 4.4W each, about 0.42A each
30.8W total / 2.94A total

I was thinking of running all 7 lights to battery or my 6 blade blue sea fuse block under the steering wheel and using factory OEM toyota switch.
I will also be using 16 Gauge wire. This should be fine. The runs are not that long

The switch is 21 Amp at 14 Volts DC.

Will I be fine running it like this or do I absolutely need a relay?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank You

You don't explicitly "need" one, but having a relay at least in my eyes completely separates the circuit so you won't have any draw or other problems with amperage

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hawkcharmer · 05-30-2023, 12:15 PM

Would it be separated if I run it to my blue sea fuse box?

RodrickHeffley · 05-30-2023, 12:30 PM

it would, but the fuse box only makes it so the accessories don't have to be hooked up to the battery directly

thezentree · 05-30-2023, 12:35 PM

I have no experience with those specific lights, but cheap LEDs can add a TON of noise to your electrical system. Bad enough that you might be able to hear it in your radio.

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