Ok, My game plan is to install 4 100-watt off-road trail lights. I already have 2 mounted and functional, but wanted to add 2 more to my storage rack up top. I have just installed them and wired them up, but as my luck would have it.... I burned up one section onmy fuse block!

When running my 2 top lights (100w) and 2 bumper lights (55w) It works fine on a 20 amp fused link. However, I cannot run the 2 other lights on the same circuit. I have used 10guage wire for the ground and 14 guage for the positive. I'm thinking I need to step it up to 10 guage for the positive and run it directly to the battery with a fused link of no more than 30 amps.

Any Ideas of what I need to do? I had to screw around with my fuse block and replace the "shunt" with a fuse. I know I dont have much invested in the Blezer, but I sure as hell dont want to catch it on fire!

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p...SS/th_URE2.jpg

The pic shows where the existing lights are with 2 extra on top and 2 on the front bumper.

 

If I remember correctly, a 10 awg wire has a max current capacity of 30A.

You could just power the other two lights off of another wire and run a relay to trigger them (would be easier on the switch).

 

Great Idea! I didnt even think about that!

Edit:
Ok, I got 2 relays tonight and a 50 amp switch. (my old switch was only 30 amp)
Each relay will hold up to 300 watts each and I am going to be pushing 510 watts with 6 lights. (4) 100wspotlights on the top and (2) 55w on the bumper. I am planning on running 2 spots and 1 bumper light on one relay, and 2 spots and 1 bumper on the other. This will place it at 255 watts per relay which will run it safe. I will also be re-routing with 10 guage wire to the spot lights.

 

Did like Swartlkk said to do and worked like a charm! I am pulling less than 15 amps from the fuse block now and running 510 watts of auxillary lights!

 

Relays are the way to go for any high draw item. Run a fused power wire directly to the battery and then trigger with an ignition source (so you cannot leave the lights on).

Glad you got it all fixed up!

 

i installed two 100-watt lights on my luggage rack with 12 gauge wire going to a toggle switch inside.....
i'd just run a relay though because of your other lights

[IMG]local://upfiles/14404/7603D2212DF3453796EB16554FDD92E7.jpg[/IMG]

 

lol... man i def. can help you out me and my friend just figured out a way to mount a 4 light light bar from your roof carrier... first you need to look at your roof rack and see if there is a little lip on the inside part of the rack... it looks like your lights are mounted right next to it so let me know and i can help you from there


-corey

 

What I did was use an already placed battery wire for an amp that the previous owner had and ran it to where the jack in the truck used to be.

I then bought a mini fuse block which has 6 connectors on it. Attaching the main line from the battery to the box, I ran relays for my top lights and my rear lights to individual fused connections. All the wiring is in that area where the jack used to be, so its nice and clean. For my rear lights I ran two relays, one which is triggered by the reverse lights so I can see when backing up, and another to one of the switches. This way when I turn the rears on manually, it does not turn my reverse lights on and cause any damage to anything.

I then ran rocker switches to my relays like so:

http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1402ia0.jpg

Now I control my front lights, top lights and rear backup lights from these switches.

I plan to expand this location with a larger gauge wire from the battery, beefed up fuse block to run my external air compressor (which goes where the spare under the truck used to be and will have a switch in the cabin near the light switches so I can run the compressor to fill up the tank when driving on the beach, etc.), additional 12 volt cigarette lighter outlets, and prob an inverter so I can run what I would need from back there.

 

yeah guys thanks for the help, i hooked them up about a month ago and they work great! heres some pics...

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1235174522

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1235174589

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1235174671