Light wiring and switch question

[VonMussa]

I have two sets of Hella Black Magics on a Defiant bar. Is it possible to wire them together to use one swtich? Apologies if this is rudamentary but I have no experience with this and have used the search function and google without much luck.

Also, does anyone know which OTRATTW color looks best with the limited interior lighting? I may just get a green/red Contura V switch.

 

[gaterose]

I have two sets of Hella Black Magics on a Defiant bar. Is it possible to wire them together to use one swtich? Apologies if this is rudamentary but I have no experience with this and have used the search function and google without much luck.

Also, does anyone know which OTRATTW color looks best with the limited interior lighting? I may just get a green/red Contura V switch.

Yeah it's very easy, it's safest to use a relay though. Just have the lights powered from the relay then your switch only holds enough power to close the circuit.

As long as the lights are 55W, as I think they are, a 20A relay will be fine. If they're 100W you'll wanna use a 40A relay or one 20A to each pair with a single wire coming from the switch then split to go to both relays.

This thread has a pretty good summary of how to use the relay in case you don't know - DIY: Wiring after-market lights - Tacoma World Forums.


Can't help with the color though.

 

[eddiebx]

Yes very possible, just need to wire up both relays to be triggered by a single switch that's all. I am assuming each set of lamps would have it's own wiring harness and relay?

Not sure about the switch colors though

 

[MidwestJ]

We're gonna need lots of pics of this setup

 

[GrantK]

A relay isn't needed, it just gives you another point of failure.
A fuse is required for any add-on wiring.

OTRATTW switches are rated @ 20 amps, a pair of 55 watt lights will draw just under 8 amps, even a pair of 100 watt lights will draw just under 15 amps so you don't need a relay. For a 8 amp draw, I would use a 10 amp fuse as close to the power source as possible. 18ga automotive grade wire will work nicely for this application.

For the switch, I like red for the back-lighting, the ON indicator color is up to you,

 

[Okki]

I'm using orange switches in my Limited and they match nicely with the OEM switches.

More details, part list, pics and wiring diagrams here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/94578-okkis-build-thread.html#post831769

Okki