Light wiring, ground gauge???

[XJMikey]

I have 12ga wire for the power feed (battery-relay-lights) and 18ga for the switches... but what size should I use for grounds? I've always matched the power and ground wire gauges, but if I could safely use a smaller gauge, it'd help loosen the grip on my budgets. Lol

[prerunner1982]

I keep the ground the same gauge as the power wire. However for lights you can normally ground them to the mounts depending on where/how you are mounting them.

[XJMikey]

I keep the ground the same gauge as the power wire. However for lights you can normally ground them to the mounts depending on where/how you are mounting them.

I'll pickup black 12ga wire. Better safe than sorry.

I think the front bumper lights brackets will ground well, but the ones I'll be mounting to the factory roof rack crossbars I think will need to be remote grounded.

Would it be safe to run my (3) toggle switches off of (1) add-a-circuit?

[prerunner1982]

I'll pickup black 12ga wire. Better safe than sorry.

I think the front bumper lights brackets will ground well, but the ones I'll be mounting to the factory roof rack crossbars I think will need to be remote grounded.

Would it be safe to run my (3) toggle switches off of (1) add-a-circuit?

If I understand what you mean by "add a circuit" it will depend on the amp rating of the "add-a-circuit" compared to what you want to run on it (total amps of all lights/accessories wired through it).

It is best to use relays and get power directly from the battery.

[prerunner1982]

If I understand what you mean by "add a circuit" it will depend on the amp rating of the "add-a-circuit" compared to what you want to run on it (total amps of all lights/accessories wired through it).



As an example.. you mentioned 3 switches, so I will assume 2 lights per switch. 6 lights total and say 100 watts per light (could be 55 watts per lights, depends on what kind you have).

100 watts each = 200 watts per switched circuit and 600 watts total load on the "Add-a-circuit". 600 / 12 volts = 50 amps. I would be surprised if the "add-a-circuit" had a 50 amp rating.

[XJMikey]

If I understand what you mean by "add a circuit" it will depend on the amp rating of the "add-a-circuit" compared to what you want to run on it (total amps of all lights/accessories wired through it).

It is best to use relays and get power directly from the battery.

I'm going to be running (4) 40amp relays to feed my lights. The add a circuit will be only supplying the power to the switches that trigger the relays. I want full output power from my lights, not the 60% a non-relay, 30amp toggle switch setup would offer.

ATM Add-A-Circuit (same function as Bussmann BP/HHH), ATM Fuse Tap : Amazon.com : Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Uc1FQC2cL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Uc1FQC2cL

[prerunner1982]

I'm going to be running (4) 40amp relays to feed my lights. The add a circuit will be only supplying the power to the switches that trigger the relays. I want full output power from my lights, not the 60% a non-relay, 30amp toggle switch setup would offer.


Oh yeah, that will power the switches no problem. I thought you were talking about adding a power distribution block/separate circuit or something along those lines.

Relays take very little current to trip.

[XJMikey]

Oh yeah, that will power the switches no problem. I thought you were talking about adding a power distribution block/separate circuit or something along those lines.

Relays take very little current to trip.

No crazy add-ons. Just fused switches. Thanks for the help. I can't wait to have everything up and running.