Need help with aux lights

[XxBJDxX]

First off if I am posting this question in the wrong place, I apologize, but I figured this would be a good spot.

I have a problem with my two sets of driving lights, As the wires / switches run VERY hot after 10-20 of being on. Here are how the two pairs of lights are setup the best I can describe it with as many details.

Set 1 : Cheapo Lights 55 W ( I believe )

Power straight from battery (12 gauge wire) ----> 14 Gauge wire--> 15A fuse ---> Switch (grounded) ---> (stock wire that lights came with) To Lights

Set 2: 55 watt halogen

Power from fuse box 15A ---> wire 15A inline fuse ---> Switch (grounded) --> To lights (all stock wire that came with lights)


I have being doing research, and a lot of people suggest using a relay, this seems to complicate the whole thing but I know how to do it, just wondering if that will fix the problem of the wires getting very hot. Set 2 seems to get hotter quicker than set 1, hot to the point where if they are left on it will get to the point of having smoke from the metal contact points. Any and all feedback suggestions will be appreciated, I can post pictures in further detail if needed.

( 1998 Ford Explorer Sport )

[Janu93]

Using relays to power your lights should resolve the problem.

This is an example.
http://www.classictruckshop.com/club...h/foglites.htm

[snoranger]

Originally Posted by XxBJDxX

First off if I am posting this question in the wrong place, I apologize, but I figured this would be a good spot.

I have a problem with my two sets of driving lights, As the wires / switches run VERY hot after 10-20 of being on. Here are how the two pairs of lights are setup the best I can describe it with as many details.

Set 1 : Cheapo Lights 55 W ( I believe )

Power straight from battery (12 gauge wire) ----> 14 Gauge wire--> 15A fuse ---> Switch (grounded) ---> (stock wire that lights came with) To Lights

Set 2: 55 watt halogen

Power from fuse box 15A ---> wire 15A inline fuse ---> Switch (grounded) --> To lights (all stock wire that came with lights)


I have being doing research, and a lot of people suggest using a relay, this seems to complicate the whole thing but I know how to do it, just wondering if that will fix the problem of the wires getting very hot. Set 2 seems to get hotter quicker than set 1, hot to the point where if they are left on it will get to the point of having smoke from the metal contact points. Any and all feedback suggestions will be appreciated, I can post pictures in further detail if needed.

( 1998 Ford Explorer Sport )

Yes. You need relays on them.

[koda2000]

yep, install relays as close to the lights as possible. then your on/off switch turns on the relay and the relay takes the load and turns on your lights.