i got a brush guard with 4 100 watt 6" lights on it. i plan on setting it up so that i have one switch controlling the 2 outter lights, and a switch controlling the two inner lights. will i need to use a relay for each circuit, or will a switch by itslef be ok for 2 100 watt lights?

and for shott who's probably gonna respond here...i have the 136 amp alternator, as you asked in another thread. i have the stock stereo and no added electrical devices beside the lights. the alt should have no problems i would assume, right?

i also plan on adding a roll bar with 5 more lights on top (its more for a looks thing, but i may use them all occasionally) assuming these were all 100 watt lights, the stock alt should still be ok? would i need to use a relay if i was hooking 3 lamps up to one switch?

thanks!

 

ok you're going to need to figure out the amp draw the lights will have. i would suggest getting a relay and some inline fuses. just safer and easier that way. i might not have ten billion lights on my truck but i do know something of electronic circuits. you'd probably be fine without the relay, but you're gonna have to make sure you wire it up right so that you're not gonna blow anything up. put the inline fuses on the battery side of the switch or relay that way if it does try to draw too much power than it will just fry the fuse not the relay (MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE) or switch.

if you want i can help out with some of the calculations.

you're stock alt should be ok but just remember it also has to charge the battery after it's started up. i would consider adding a second battery for putting the roll bar lights in. or just upgrading your stock battery. i don't know if there is a bigger alt made to fit the ram, but i'd look into it if you plan on building up the stereo with all that light power.

 

yea that alt should work super fine!

relays is always the BEST way to wire anything up... do you know what the amperage draw is on each lamp? should be listing on the boxes or any papers that came with them (if they were bought new) .. a noraml 12V switch you get at autozone will only handle between 5 to 15A a bosche style relay handles 40/30 (40 instant startup and 30 continuous) then they also make like heavy duty 75 and 100 amp relays...usually called solonoids... but they would be overkill in this sit.

the way id do it is... run 2 relays... 2 lamps per relay... manual switch in the cab activates the lamps,,, easy as 1 2 3!

 

yeah i agree with shott... two relays would be the best way to do it. then you could have the inside two on.. or the outside two... that would be pretty bad ***...

 

Use relays My dad wired up a set of cheap driving lights with the power running through the switch. It melted the switch and connecting wires. Luckily he smelt it before it fried something else..

 

i am going to wire the two outer lights to a relay and switch, and the two inner lights with a simliar setup. will 14 awg wire be sufficent?

 

U shod be ok. I did about the same to m truck. With 4 100 watt 6 in lights, and I used 10g from the bat to the lights and then ran two lights off of each relay. Found a sick place to put them in my o1. I have a 5sp. So I cut out a spot and put then in the center console on the floor. But, I have ran my lights for 4-5 hr strait and no problem.

 

yeah you should be fine. the lights should draw a max of 24 amps, i did some math earlier today. if your battery is really old you might want to think of getting a new one.

best way to do it... put it in and try it out.

let us know how it turns out.