4 lights wired to an on-off-on switch?
 

I have 4 lights on the roof I want to wire to a single pole double throw switch(on-off-on) and need help. I want to wire them with relays. I want two inner lights on in one position and all four on in the other position. I have searched high and low and cant find a diagram. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

use two relays. wire one side of the switch to pin 85 of one relay, wire the other side of the switch to pin 85 of another relay and jumper both pin 85s together with a diode. Pin 86 of each relay will go to power and can be jumpered over to pin 87 too. pin 30 of each relay will go to one set of two lights.

easy breezy.

let me draw up a diagram for you real quick

okay so you need a diode (i marked it) because if you do not have one no matter which way you throw the switch it will power all 4 lights

Thanks 96 XJ thats exactly what I was looking for! I saw where you posted a diagram for 5 lights but the third relay in that one was was confusing me.

I am not up on electronics. Should I just go to radio shack and ask for a diode? Is there a special diode I need?

Thanks again.

the reason you need the 3rd relay on the other set up is because you can only run 2 lights off a single relay. so in your case you only need 2 relays.

and no problem

YIKES! definatley need help on the diode! Just went to radio shack.com and searched diodes. Lots of em on there!

go to radio shack in person, explain what you are doing, the volts(12) and the amps(whatever fuse you are running is) and they should be able to set you up. most radio shack people know what they are talking about. I would give you a link but it is really hard to do on a iTouch lol. Diodes are simple. They let current go one way but not the other and whatever resistance you set it at.

nevermind.

Btw they make some with heat sinks built in, get those if you can. I had some for a robot project and i got them off ebay for $5 shipped

To run them without a diode couldn't you run 2 relays on the side for the 4 lights and have the power wire for the outer lights connect to the outer light circuit after the relay?

Wait, Can you draw up a quick diagram of what you are thinking? i am having a hard time picturing it

here is a diode that would work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/30-Amp-200-V-Dua...#ht_880wt_1139

OK more questions-would 5 pin relays work or should I look for 4 pins?

How would I wire in that diode you linked to? Do diodes just wire in line like a fuse?

Lets see if I can get my crude drawing on here...

The way I see it the power could not flow backwards through the relay unless it was excited.