RELAYS RELAYS what where and how

[Fhantazm]

Along the same lines, I have run 1 set of lights stright from the switch for years with no trouble. What are the negatives of doing things this way, Alec? Im going to be getting another set of lights, and will be getting a relay kit, but just curious about the negatives of running straight from switch.

 

[Alec]

Basically there isn't much safety built into that system. You have more risk to other components such as the power draw, switch, and lights without a relay, and more risk of a fire in the cab.

 

[Hokie]

Don't run the power wires directly to the switch in the truck... If you get a short, its in the cabin and your truck goes poof...

Also, you can tap the fuse like Alec said or you can go the the parking light wire... The deal with tapping the fuse... make sure you tap the side of the fuse that recieves the power, not gives the power... IE.. pull the fuse out of the socket and use a meter or a test light to figure out which side of the fuse is giving the voltage to the other side. Put the wire on the receiving side, this way, if something goes wrong with the wire, the fuse factory fuse will blow...

I did this wrong in a '98 Ranger and almost burnt it down... Completely burnt the wire from the fuse box to the screw that nicked the wire and caused the short.... Filled the cab with a putrid burnt plastic smoke and melted some interior plastic trim pieces...

 

[EliteConcept]

relay installed
it was easy and the relay was only 4 bucks at autozone
thanks alec and others!