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-   -   Do I need Relays (https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/do-i-need-relays-172304/)

Slim357 Jun 17, 2013 10:05 PM
Well wired up 2 55watt Hella lights to a 20amp switch an put a 15amp inline fuse in place but noticed the switch is warm after running them for a while. Are relays needed or is it normal for the switch to get warm. Im only drawing 9.96amps combined so figured a 20amp switch would be a lil over kill. What do yall think? Btw I run them when ever my headlights are on.

Gee oh Dee Jun 17, 2013 10:13 PM
I would. Can't hurt. :dunno:

cruiser54 Jun 17, 2013 10:22 PM
Do the relays.

Slim357 Jun 18, 2013 10:03 AM
Originally Posted by cruiser54 (Post 2509009)
Do the relays.
Will do had me worried when the switch got warm. Is it normal for the switch to get warm with out relays?

Lowrange2 Jun 18, 2013 10:10 AM
Originally Posted by Slim357 (Post 2509461)
Will do had me worried when the switch got warm. Is it normal for the switch to get warm with out relays?
Yes. The factory headlight switch melts all the time.

Those switches aren't meant to pull that much.

Where did you get that you're drawing 9.96 amps from?

xjsnake Jun 18, 2013 10:24 AM
I never trust switches.

Always use relays on any sort of lighting.

Slim357 Jun 18, 2013 07:18 PM
Originally Posted by lowrange2 (Post 2509468)

Yes. The factory headlight switch melts all the time.

Those switches aren't meant to pull that much.

Where did you get that you're drawing 9.96 amps from?
55x2=110 110/12=roughly 9.96

Slim357 Jun 18, 2013 07:19 PM
Originally Posted by xjsnake (Post 2509486)
I never trust switches.

Always use relays on any sort of lighting.
Probably woulda been the smart thing to do but Im very impatient lol

SeriousOffroad Jun 18, 2013 07:54 PM
Relays allow you to control a large load (amps) with a smaller load. they will protect your electrical system from overloads and in many cases keep you from melting an entire harness.

Use 'em.

Slim357 Jun 18, 2013 09:18 PM
Originally Posted by SeriousOffroad (Post 2510077)
Relays allow you to control a large load (amps) with a smaller load. they will protect your electrical system from overloads and in many cases keep you from melting an entire harness.

Use 'em.
Gotcha good to know

5-90 Jun 19, 2013 10:36 PM
Originally Posted by Slim357 (Post 2508990)
Well wired up 2 55watt Hella lights to a 20amp switch an put a 15amp inline fuse in place but noticed the switch is warm after running them for a while. Are relays needed or is it normal for the switch to get warm. Im only drawing 9.96amps combined so figured a 20amp switch would be a lil over kill. What do yall think? Btw I run them when ever my headlights are on.
It is NOT normal for a switch to get warm.

And, using relays is ALWAYS a good idea - even if the switch can handle the current, running full current from the battery, to the switch, to the consumer is an inefficient way to go about it - using a relay allows a much shorter full-power path, and therefore significantly reduced conductor loss.

Slim357 Jun 20, 2013 11:20 AM
Originally Posted by 5-90 (Post 2511766)

It is NOT normal for a switch to get warm.

And, using relays is ALWAYS a good idea - even if the switch can handle the current, running full current from the battery, to the switch, to the consumer is an inefficient way to go about it - using a relay allows a much shorter full-power path, and therefore significantly reduced conductor loss.
Gotcha good to know


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