Wiring Lights that power off with engine?

[CJExplorer]

I want to wire a set of lights that turn off when the engine is on. I want them to stay on though when you turn power to the ignition.

Is that possible? How would i do it, if so. Any help appriciated.
Thanks

 

[calisoundmix]

you could do it however you would need a specific relay. specifically a SPDT, (single pole double throw) relay which is capable of the amperage you need for the lights (headlights are usually around 40 amps), just google it and many stores will pop up.

you want to attach your wires as follows.

Terminal - - - - - - - - Goes To
30 (Common) . . . . . This goes to your load (the positive lead from your lights)
85 (Coil) . . . . . . . . Hot in Run
86 (Coil) . . . . . . . . Ground
87 (Normally Open) . Nothing, connects to 30 when engine is running
87a(Normally Closed) . This goes to your +12v (Positive Battery terminal)

The ground connection from your lights will go straight to your negative battery terminal.

more info is here

 

[seth247]

out of curiosity what are you using it for?

 

[shortstack]

you could do something like have it turn on with the "ignition on" wire

 

[seth247]

Cept the ignition wire is on when the engine is and he wants it off with the engine on.

 

[seth247]

problem is I don't think there is a wire that is hot only when the engine is running.

 

[seth247]

The only way I can see to do what you want is what's called a "self latching relay circuit" which is complicated to explain but I can't do a paint diagram with my phone so if somebody Else on here knows what I'm talking about and draw him a diagram that would be great.

If not I'll try and post one tommorrow when I get to my dads.

 

[calisoundmix]

you could do it however you would need a specific relay. specifically a SPDT, (single pole double throw) relay which is capable of the amperage you need for the lights (headlights are usually around 40 amps), just google it and many stores will pop up.

you want to attach your wires as follows.

Terminal - - - - - - - - Goes To
30 (Common) . . . . . This goes to your load (the positive lead from your lights)
85 (Coil) . . . . . . . . Hot in Run
86 (Coil) . . . . . . . . Ground
87 (Normally Open) . Nothing, connects to 30 when engine is running
87a(Normally Closed) . This goes to your +12v (Positive Battery terminal)

The ground connection from your lights will go straight to your negative battery terminal.

more info is here

sorry i forgot to include the diagram, it is below.

 

[seth247]

^^^^^^^^

Cept there is no wire that Is hot in run

 

[CDW6212R]

The oil pressure sensor can do that. I use an aftermarket sensor to trigger my headlights with oil pressure.

 

[wood1]

http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp

There are several different relay examples here, latching included.

 

[CopyKat]

^^^^^^^^

Cept there is no wire that Is hot in run

Yes there is it's a red/green wire. The red/blue is the start.

On the ingition switch itself there is an interupter for the headlights and any other accessories. This turns them off and full power is allowed for cranking.

 

[CJExplorer]

WOW!

Thanks Alot guys
Ill be looking into trying to get one of those.
I am wanting to wire an LED underbody kit i bought and make sure im not driving with it on.

I thought the kit always stayed on and i didnt realize it was coming with a switch. It has a switch so i might just leave it the way it is.

Ill be wiring it tomorrow and putting up pictures on how i did it.
Ill post a picture to give you guys a taste.

Thanks alot though for the help
You guys are always so helpful on here

 

[CJExplorer]

 

[seth247]

nice wereis the kit from?

 

[CJExplorer]

Well I got the Kit from some random guy off ebay. I got a GREAT deal on it, more because i picked it up and didnt have to pay from shipping.

The guy i got it from bought a multi color and got a green one instead and the company said just keep it. I looked at the label on it and it was originally sent from "OnFair" ebay seller.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...002QQitemZ120251045266QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

There is a link to buy one for yourself.

I got 2 of the 4 installed today and it took a long time. More because the steps i have on my Explorer were in my way so i had to figure how to place them.

 

[seth247]

sweet. Hope it works great! I was thinking if you use a switch you could wire it into your dome light circuit so you won't forget to turn it off.

 

[CJExplorer]

Heres my post on the Kit
Check it out
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1924915

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

The oil pressure sensor can do that. I use an aftermarket sensor to trigger my headlights with oil pressure.

bam! thats what i was going to say. i've long fantasized about oil pressure controled switches for lights or various other asthetic doo-dads.

 

[CDW6212R]

It's slick, and I should never leave the lights on again.