need help with wiring

[Pemerling]

alright heres whats going on . I have a series of six utility lights on my vehicle, all in different places along with a set of air horns. I want to run 2 lights off of each switch (lighted switch) and the air horns off another button. I used to do a lot of work on my explorer but its been some time and i cant remember how to wire things correctly and since its cold out i dont want to spend all day doing it. I have four relays and an auxilary fuse blox to run everything off of.. Can anyone help me figure out how i can wire these all in . I would like the switches to have power even if the truck is off so i could run two power wires for each switch from the fuse block but is it really necessary?

 

[bates]

Not quite sure I know what you mean, but if you hook the fuse block directly from battery, you will run your lights til the battery runs out with or without the key in the ignition. Hope that helps.

 

[DeRocha]

Ok. here you go...

 

[bates]

Looks really good, only thing missing is the grounds for the lights and horns but that's a given.

 

[Pemerling]

great diagram. my question is that my switches are lit, so there are three prongs. where should i get power for the swtich, second of all the power line coming off the fuse block to the relay, is that split to both the relay and the switch?

 

[Pemerling]

i guess i should change my profile.. im now in Boston MA how far is brockton away from here

 

[Alec]

I'd get power for the switches from the rear defroster circuit. Ignition controlled and high load.

 

[Pemerling]

my ram doesnt have a rear defroster unfortunately .. but i want my switches operational even if the ignition isnt on so that i can use them as worklights

 

[Alec]

Then:

1: you should get a yellow top or a battery protector and
2: you can get your switch power directly through the fuse block as above.

 

[DeRocha]

lighted rocker switch..Two prongs are for the switch and the other should be a ground for the switch's light.

The switches and power feed to the relay are tied together (The manual switches draw very little current as their sole function is to trip the relay (which is an electonic switch 30A switch).

How big (amp rating) is your aux fuse box? If you're using 55W bulbs then 55W/12V=4.6A x (6 lights) = 27.6A. So The fuse box and wiring to the battery should be in the 10 gauge range. You will need to make sure it is rated for the max load otherwise the wiring harness can overheat and melt.

Like Alec has suggested a battery saver is a good thing to have. It can prevent you from getting stranded.

BTW Brockton is about 20 miles south of Boston...
Check out the following links:
New England Explorer's
November '03 trail Run

 

[Pemerling]

luckily the new rams have an automatic battery saver. but i always cary an emergency jumpstart battery in my toolbox. Thanks for the help guys

 

[Pemerling]

what guage wire should i use from the relay to the switch ?

 

[DeRocha]

I have updated the wiring diagram to include the ground wires. I would use 18ga for the switches (which is more than enough). Because of the relays the switch does NOT Function like a light switch in your house. In a house switch, all Current flows through the switch. By using relays the switch only need enough power to perform the switch (connect high power to the lights).

 

[DeRocha]

In case others were curious while viewing this post: The following diagram will power the switches only with the key in the ACC On position.