Magnet Powered LEDS? - Electrical Genuis Input requested

[Flash Runner]

Hey guys, I thought of this and did some very quick research on/off forum. I feel that someone here would be able to give me a quick answer since I'm not seeing anything specifically to what I'm talking about, and my electrical knowledge is very basic. So the idea I have:

Can you create a circuit by having a battery with the + wire going to a magnet, thats directly touching (attracted to) another magnet, then continuing the + wire to the LED light.... then having the - wire connected the same way through another set of two magnets

Is this possible? I've tried mocking up a quick circuit online, to try to help picture what I'm saying (I used the capacitor symbol to represent the magnets).

The idea in place (practical or not) would be used with the "Raptor Light Mod" that more people are doing. I find it seems tedious to have to run the wiring down all the way through the hood to connect it to the power source of your choosing.

So what if at the base of the grille where it meets the front bumper, you have a set of two magnets (two on the bottom of the grille and two on the top of the bumper). When the hood is closed the magnets are touching and therefore would be conducting the electricity from the attached wires. Then when you open the hood the magnets separate, breaking the circuit.

as stated, I've yet to really think about the practicality with certain issues being possible concerns (i.e insulating the magnets for poor weather, the bumper magnets still conducting when the hood is open if the car is on, etc..).... I'm just curious if it would work

Any input is appreciated

 

[BackOff]

I like the idea...Seems like it would work but you would have a constant 'Hot' Much like having an exposed battery terminal...if you short it to ground (frame/body) sparks will happen if you touch a wrench to it accidentally.

That said, I never tried it... Maybe low enough voltage? To not be a concern?

 

[Flash Runner]

[MENTION=89794]BackOff[/MENTION] That is a concern I was thinking of. Being LEDs I doubt it would require that much voltage, and it would depend what the power source was (connecting straight to battery vs splicing into the DRLs)

It's all theoretical, essentially if the magnets provide a strong enough connection as conductors I guess is the basis of the whole thing... before taking into account how it becomes practical enough to implement

 

[TowMeOut]

Can you do it, sure. Would it be practical??? Well, that's another subject. Here's an example of some commercially available versions:

https://www.rosenberger.com/en/products/medical/magnetic.php

I don't offroad much so having a lightbar lashed across my roof all the time seems kind of a waste. I've kicked around trying to go with a magnetic, suction cup, or maybe lashed down base of some kind. For power though I think I'd go the somewhat standard route of running a cable along the edge of the window frame up from the engine compartment.

There are tons of different connectors out there, some more water resistant than others. Just because I already have the crimp tool I might look at something like the Anderson Powerpole connectors. There's a 15A, 30A, and 45A rated version that all use the same physical plug body (just bigger pins). The 30A/45A would be plenty big for a 200W or more light bar. They're not water proof though but still pretty beefy. When not in use I could just put a small dust cover over the top and I think they'd be fine.

 

[rokr1292]

magnetic electrical connectors are interesting. I think I'd rather use mechanical/spring loaded ones if I really wanted to do what I think you're describing. if you're planning to DIY this to see if it works, be very careful soldering/connecting wires to the magnet(s)

I ruined a couple good magnets sealing up bolt-shaped geocaches with solder, accidentally let the magnets get too hot.

 

[theoutbackdream]

My idea was just to use a deans connector that goes straight from the battery to the grille. It won't be as cool as your idea, but it's an idea...

The issue I have with the magnets are that, as soon as you send power through it, you're creating an electromagnetic field.... Who knows what kind of adverse affects it may have on the car/components near by..

 

[Atlanta_man]

Connectors, purpose designed to do a good job, are the cause of most electrical problems.

No way I'd try to kludge a connector with magnets.

 

[Angry_shoe]

You should run everything through a relay and get creative with how it is turned on. You don't want to be connecting things like that hot.

Most magnets will be difficult to solder to without destroying the magnet. They are also not great electrical conductors. If you really want to use a magnet, look at reed switches.

 

[Angry_shoe]

 

[BackOff]

My idea was just to use a deans connector that goes straight from the battery to the grille. It won't be as cool as your idea, but it's an idea...

The issue I have with the magnets are that, as soon as you send power through it, you're creating an electromagnetic field.... Who knows what kind of adverse affects it may have on the car/components near by..

These are my favorites...having played with R/C toys and E-Bikes.


Powerpole® Stackable Connectors, Anderson Power Products

 

[theoutbackdream]

These are my favorites...having played with R/C toys and E-Bikes.


Powerpole® Stackable Connectors, Anderson Power Products

Never even heard of these. They look cool!

I was just thinking of using deans, since I still got a box of like 20 pairs left haha

 

[Flash Runner]

Thanks for all the replies... the more I thought about it after reading everything, the magnets definitely dont seem like the most practical route, but seems it could work in theory.

I wasnt even aware of all these other connections you guys have suggested, great stuff!