Multiple LED light wiring

[Brian3676]

Got a 32" light bar and 4 pods for my 4runner. Also some lights for the back. I know how to wire, but am wondering what the most preferred method is/reliable.

My thought is to use 1 relay for the bar with its own switch, than 1 relay for the 4 pods with a switch (only 18w each), but I could also use 2 relays for the pods and bridge the switch power together so all the pods turn on, although the relay should be able to handle 4 pods I would think(2 pods on each relay, than a 3rd relay for the bar)

Other thought is I am wasting time and just run them all on one switch because if I need one on I may as well have them all on....

I have a distribution block with individual fused outputs, but I am not sure westher to go with a few single relays and just hang them wherever, or get something like the 4 relay box from Hella.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ADeFazio]

It all depends on your level of OCD. If it was me, I would use two relays. One for all four cubes, and one for the bar. Not because you necessarily need relays with lights that draw so little current, but because they will allow you to consolidate and shorten the supply wiring and not draw current directly through the switches. (4x 18w LEDs will draw about 6a total. Not much, but no need to pass that through an extra 20' of wire and a switch)

I'd mount the relays right next to your fuse distro box and have each switch simply ground out the coil on each relay. mmmmm no voltage on the wires passing through the firewall...

That's what I would do. You could totally get away without using relays though.

 

[4RunAmok]

I would forego the relays entirely. K-4 Switches, and pretty much all of the common Blue Sea switches are rated to 15 Amps. None of what you describe will pull that much current.

Watts, times quantity of lights, divided by 12 (volts supplied) equals Amp Draw

Make sure a fuse is placed within 12 inches of the battery, the Pods will take a 10 Amp fuse.

If your light bar is 100 W, It will draw roughly 8.5 amps, so a 10 Amp fuse is good there too. 14 Gauge wire throughout should be plenty.

A relay is only needed if you are using a small switch. There's always the Switch Pros and sPod methods too, which provide internal relays with tidy control panels to handle all accessories.

 

[Brian3676]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up getting a Blue Sea Systems fuse panel. Has a main bus bar so I only have to run one power wire from battery to the fuse panel. I can than had 6 individual fused circuits coming off of it. Looks real clean and nice. Just need to find a good place to mount it. Light bar should be here late next week and I'll post pics of it all.