Aux Lighting Question
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Aux Lighting Question
Okay everyone. Here's a quick question. My son purchased a used set of 4 Hella 500 spotlights and is in need of my assistance in mounting them. I have never been an electrical guru so here goes.
I can't find exactly how many amps each light will pull but their web site shows utilizing a 25 amp relay for one pair. Their wiring diagram also shows incorporating the high beam switch into the equation.
My questions are:
If I use one switch for all four lights can I-
1. Use one 40 amp relay for all four lights?
2. Am I making a mistake by not putting the high beam switch into the equation?
I will be running large gauge wire from the battery to the relay and from the relay out to the lights and smaller gauge from the switch to the relay.
Thanks for your help.
I can't find exactly how many amps each light will pull but their web site shows utilizing a 25 amp relay for one pair. Their wiring diagram also shows incorporating the high beam switch into the equation.
My questions are:
If I use one switch for all four lights can I-
1. Use one 40 amp relay for all four lights?
2. Am I making a mistake by not putting the high beam switch into the equation?
I will be running large gauge wire from the battery to the relay and from the relay out to the lights and smaller gauge from the switch to the relay.
Thanks for your help.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
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From: Dunwoody, GA
A simple calculation you can use to figure out the amps is: WATTS / VOLTS = AMPS
So if the lights are 100watts each you would have 100watts / 12volts = 8.33amps each. If I were you I would use 1 25 or 30amp relay for each pair.
I'm not sure what the high beam switch is supposed to do.
So if the lights are 100watts each you would have 100watts / 12volts = 8.33amps each. If I were you I would use 1 25 or 30amp relay for each pair.
I'm not sure what the high beam switch is supposed to do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
The Hella 500 lights come with 55watt bulbs, so 4 of them use less than 20 amps.
You can use the 25 amp relay for all 4 if you keep the 55 watt bulbs.
I have my driving light relay hooked to the highbeam wire then through a switch and this is the most convenient way for use. You don't have to be reaching down all the time to turn on and off the switch, just leave the switch on and the lights will come on with the highbeams automatically.
You can use the 25 amp relay for all 4 if you keep the 55 watt bulbs.
I have my driving light relay hooked to the highbeam wire then through a switch and this is the most convenient way for use. You don't have to be reaching down all the time to turn on and off the switch, just leave the switch on and the lights will come on with the highbeams automatically.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
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From: Eastern Washington
I prefer wiring it through the highbeams, makes it easier to shut off with oncoming traffic.
I did a quick install and don't even have a switch on mine, they run exclusivly off the high beams.
They should be 55w bulbs, 12v, thats about 5A per bulb. Throw in some derating for safety, your still well below 40A. I think you might be able to get 2 Heavy Duty 20-25 amp relays for less than 1 40A, but I could be wrong.
I did a quick install and don't even have a switch on mine, they run exclusivly off the high beams.
They should be 55w bulbs, 12v, thats about 5A per bulb. Throw in some derating for safety, your still well below 40A. I think you might be able to get 2 Heavy Duty 20-25 amp relays for less than 1 40A, but I could be wrong.
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Thanks guys, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I can never remember the formula and even if I did, I would be skeptical of my calculations.
I do think I am going to bypass the high beam switching because I really only intend for them to be used off road. I am using a lighted switch inside the truck so it will be obvious when the switch is on.
Based on what everyone is saying one 40 amp relay should cover me fine?
I do think I am going to bypass the high beam switching because I really only intend for them to be used off road. I am using a lighted switch inside the truck so it will be obvious when the switch is on.
Based on what everyone is saying one 40 amp relay should cover me fine?
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