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Wiring help needed

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Old Sep 5, 2009 | 09:46 PM
  #1  
warthog's Avatar
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From: Keesler AFB, MS
Year: 1998 XJ
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default Wiring help needed

I am about to install 4 55w blazer baja lights on my roof rack. i will run the wiring thru the back hatch and back to the front of the jeep. i am guessing there will be about 15 - 20 feet of wire. can some one explain, draw and or upload a diagram on how to wire 4 55w lights to the same switch. i did a search and couldn't find any with 4. do i need a relay or relays and what guage wire. i bought 30 feet of red and black. can one wire supprt all the lights? need any further info please ask

Thanks
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Old Sep 5, 2009 | 10:10 PM
  #2  
Cherokee 4.0's Avatar
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From: Pa
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
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Originally Posted by warthog
I am about to install 4 55w blazer baja lights on my roof rack. i will run the wiring thru the back hatch and back to the front of the jeep. i am guessing there will be about 15 - 20 feet of wire. can some one explain, draw and or upload a diagram on how to wire 4 55w lights to the same switch. i did a search and couldn't find any with 4. do i need a relay or relays and what guage wire. i bought 30 feet of red and black. can one wire supprt all the lights? need any further info please ask

Thanks
1 wire will work to wire all them, i did it with 18 guage, i would go bigger though to play safe. i had 4 55 watt lights
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Old Sep 5, 2009 | 10:54 PM
  #3  
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From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
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Four 55W lights will pull 18 amps. A little too much for most switches. My personal preference would be to run a 20 - 30 amp relay and take that load off the switch and use #12 wire. 18 gage is a little light unless you only run two lights off two wires. You could do that on many relays since they have two hot terminals
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Old Sep 5, 2009 | 10:56 PM
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Year: 2000
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your definetly going to need a relay i have 2 on my roof and didnt need one but four you will.. mine are 100 watts..
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Old Sep 5, 2009 | 11:10 PM
  #5  
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From: Pa
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Originally Posted by NewJerseyXJ609
your definetly going to need a relay i have 2 on my roof and didnt need one but four you will.. mine are 100 watts..
all these werent relayed...none of the 600+ watts of lights
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Old Sep 6, 2009 | 03:35 PM
  #6  
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From: Keesler AFB, MS
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i am going to try it without a relay and see how it does. if it starts acting funny i will throw one in there.

Thanks for all the advice
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Old Sep 6, 2009 | 08:25 PM
  #7  
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Do it once, do it right.
Use a relay...please.



Add a jumper from pin #85 for a second relay for the second set of lights.

I promise you that you'll melt the switch in time, or worse, if you don't use a relay.
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Old Sep 6, 2009 | 09:05 PM
  #8  
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Year: 1996
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You need at least 12 gauge wire to avoid a car-b-que.
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