Wiring/Electrical Question

[DosSpider]

I'm about to install LED strobes and after reading a few threads I think I've got the general idea of what I want to do. Can someone weigh in on using a relay? That's the part hat I'm a bit hazy on.

I'll have 8 different LED (6 18w and 2 12w). My plan is to run power from battery to a waterproof fuse box, then from what I'm reading its best to run to a relay since one switch is not likely to handle all that?

Initially my thought had been each light running to its own fuse and then all to a switch, does each still need to run to an individual fuse with a relay? Do I need to run each light to a relay individually(seems like no since these are just small LED lights, nothing high amperage?)

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[wfo9]

your 6 18w are a 9amp draw, the 2 12w are an additional 2 amps. 11 amps total.

A single (20+ amp) relay could easily run them all at once.

If you want control of 2 banks... you will need two relays, or direct wire the 2amp side with a switch. Relays are just remote controlled switches that allow you to keep you loads through the fire wall... very low with thin wires...

You really don't need the complexity of a fuse panel unless you plan to run additional stuff. A simple inline (20A) fuse right off the battery will do the trick.

Just size your wire based on the loads and run lengths. There are plenty of online calculators and charts to follow.. but from the batt you will probably want a 10-12ga to the relay. From the relay to each light will only need a 16-18.... but if you want to chain them all on one bus, go with something thicker depending on the total distance.

I used to do a lot of sailing and still own a stupid boat. LOL. I go by those standards and play it safe.
http://digitalcartography.com/n0eq/astro/WireGauge-Current.jpg

They are honestly a bit over the top and you can often step down one size and be considered fine in almost every standard.

 

[DosSpider]

Thanks, that's basically exactly what I was looking for.

 

[MasterBlaster]

The wire gauge diagram posted above is very important to pay attention to when choosing the correct wire size. Also check out this link to this video on building a relay use box. If nothing else it will help make sure you understand the wiring concepts of using a relay correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvFHA1xY10w

 

[DosSpider]

your 6 18w are a 9amp draw, the 2 12w are an additional 2 amps. 11 amps total.

A single (20+ amp) relay could easily run them all at once.

If you want control of 2 banks... you will need two relays, or direct wire the 2amp side with a switch. Relays are just remote controlled switches that allow you to keep you loads through the fire wall... very low with thin wires...

You really don't need the complexity of a fuse panel unless you plan to run additional stuff. A simple inline (20A) fuse right off the battery will do the trick.

Just size your wire based on the loads and run lengths. There are plenty of online calculators and charts to follow.. but from the batt you will probably want a 10-12ga to the relay. From the relay to each light will only need a 16-18.... but if you want to chain them all on one bus, go with something thicker depending on the total distance.

I used to do a lot of sailing and still own a stupid boat. LOL. I go by those standards and play it safe.
http://digitalcartography.com/n0eq/astro/WireGauge-Current.jpg

They are honestly a bit over the top and you can often step down one size and be considered fine in almost every standard.

Couple more questions...

Something like this work for the relay?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017...ords=relay&dpPl=1&dpID=51cGJTxoijL&ref=plSrch

I'll eventually probably add led light bar and who knows what else. Having 5 seems reasonable versus buying one.

All the strobes will be fine on one bank, no need of control over the different types of lights independently, they just happen to be different sizes. You mention wiring it all to the relay. That seems like it's going to get messy quick. What's the clean way to wire 8 separate lights in to one relay? I've seen advice about how/where to run and not run wiring from battery, and that generally cleaner to split Liam to clean up loose stuff, but what about actually wiring it all together?

 

[wfo9]

Couple more questions...

Something like this work for the relay?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017...ords=relay&dpPl=1&dpID=51cGJTxoijL&ref=plSrch

I'll eventually probably add led light bar and who knows what else. Having 5 seems reasonable versus buying one.

All the strobes will be fine on one bank, no need of control over the different types of lights independently, they just happen to be different sizes. You mention wiring it all to the relay. That seems like it's going to get messy quick. What's the clean way to wire 8 separate lights in to one relay? I've seen advice about how/where to run and not run wiring from battery, and that generally cleaner to split Liam to clean up loose stuff, but what about actually wiring it all together?

There are several options, but I would probably run one main line down the truck from the relay and then tap into it for each light and basically terminate it on the one furthest away from the relay.

For tapping. I usually cut the shielding off in a small section of the main line. Put shrink wrap on the wire going to the light. Then I form a V, solder and then slide the shrink wrap over and heat. Never had a problem using that approach. They sell little quick splice wire terminals that are very easy to install, but I don't trust them to work consistently over the long haul. For LEDs... I might give them a shot just for ease of installation.