problem with hella
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,168
Likes: 23
From: South GA
Do NOT bypass the relay and run all that power through your switch. You're just waiting for an electrical fire. They included it for a reason, so don't be one of those guys that has to learn everything the hard way. The switch isn't made to handle the current draw of the lights for any significant amount of time. It will eventually fail and they are known to catch fire when that happens.
Here is a schematic of how to wire a four post relay. It's easy.
Here is a schematic of how to wire a four post relay. It's easy.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,759
Likes: 1
LOL...........You beat me to it. I was going to post the same. If anyone even needs to know how a relay works or diagrams then you can also look at find some over on www.the12volt.com
If I had to guess I would say that the ground on the switch is bad.
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
Yesh, it's a ground problem. i just grounded each light to the metal hardware brackets that come with the lights since they were bolted right to the frame. I too ran the lights directly to the battery however, the toggle switch that comes with them are only rated for a max of 10 amps. Running directly you need atleast a 15amp but I prefer a 20amp. It looks like you've already upgraded the switch so i think you'll be fine. Generally the switch only carries the "remote" on/off wire and has no major power running through it.
Record Breaker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfied, CA
Say somebody wanted to run his hot lead for the light directly to the battery. How would he make this safe? If he upgraded to switch, that should enough right?
Champion
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
That's the whole purpose of a relay. Instead of running power from the battery, to the switch, and back to the lights- you use the switch to trigger the relay which sends power from the battery to the lights. The relay requires a very small amount of juice to trigger, versus the heavy amp load of the lights. Check out the schematic I posted early.
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
That's the whole purpose of a relay. Instead of running power from the battery, to the switch, and back to the lights- you use the switch to trigger the relay which sends power from the battery to the lights. The relay requires a very small amount of juice to trigger, versus the heavy amp load of the lights. Check out the schematic I posted early.
Yes, BUT, if you have a switch that is rated for the amperage, there's nothing wrong with that! Also, made in china...That is why i said get yourself atleast a 20amp versus 15amp for that extra little bit of protection and it will keep the switch cool as well because it can handle the extra power and is not trying to squeeze the power through.