newbie wiring question

[boaterboy204]

want to install some driving lights, never wired anything before...i figured out two out of three wires, so i figure im doin pretty good right?
anyway, i dont understand the wire that runs from the switch to a fuse and then to the battery...how am i supposed to wire it to the battery? i have two diagrams, and both show the wire running directly to the psotive post...and that just really doesnt seem right to me...stupid, i know, but im tryin to save myself a trip to the hospital, so any help would be delightful. thanks

 

[Bill Kemp]

Are you useing a relay? Check out the diagrams in the FAQ at top of page.

 

[boaterboy204]

neither diagram shows a relay...and i dont even know what that is, so...

 

[Bill Kemp]

Did you look at the diagrams in the Lighting Forum FAQs at the top of this page?
We gotta start w/something we can both see.

 

[boaterboy204]

i didnt really understand that diagram...i can send you a scan of the one that i am going off of...it seems simple enough, i just dont understand the battery part...is there a "normal" way to wire it to the battery?
thanks

 

[Bill Kemp]

My email is: kempie@chartermi.net Send away.....

 

[boaterboy204]

sorry about the delay...school just started back up so things are kind of hectic. my computer isnt working right so i cant send the scan, so lets use the FAQ diagram....where it says "these wires should run directly to the battery" or something like that, what does that mean? how would i do that?

 

[Bill Kemp]

You crimp a ring terminal on the wire and bolt it to the battery posts useing the battery cable hold down bolts. If you are not going to use a relay, which is strongly NOT suggested, the wire from the battery + terminal goes to the switch which then goes to the lights. Other wire on lights is grounded: bolted to the battery - terminal or to the metal car body. Having said that it is best to just follow the diagram & use a relay. Its safer and your lights will be brighter.

 

[boaterboy204]

alright, thanks...i will be using a relay, i was just unsure of the actual battery connection...never done this before, kinda confusing

thanks for all your help, i know its probably frustrating having to answer easy/stupid questions...ill let you know how they look once they are on...maybe ill even figure out how to post a pic or something...

 

[Bill Kemp]

Dont worry. We all had to start somewhere. I've blown many a fuse and burnt plenty of wires fooling around with cars. Made my Dad real happy a time or two.
Buy a wire crimper, test light, elect tape and some crimp connectors.

 

[boaterboy204]

hopefully ill be able to soon...as soon as school lets up ill be able to put them on...is there a rule that says i cant quit school and live off of my parents for the rest of my life? cause right now that definately looks like the path of least resistance...