Do I need Relays
06-17-2013, 10:05 PM
#1
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
06-17-2013, 10:22 PM
#3
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Do the relays.
06-18-2013, 10:10 AM
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06-18-2013, 07:54 PM
#9
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.
Use 'em.
06-19-2013, 10:36 PM
#11
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: AMC242
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.
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.
06-20-2013, 11:20 AM
#12
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
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