kissthis66

Hooking up some KC lights, and can't understand why a relay is needed/recommended vs just running a power wire to the battery to a switch and then to the lights? From what I understand a relay is just a switch, so why is it needed vs a normal on/off toggle switch? Please respond with generic answer, not looking for an complete understanding of how and why they work, just a basic why they work/should be used?

Thanks!

XJmike0122

Whenever wiring off road lights, it's important to add a relay to the wiring. Failure to do so would cause excessive heat in the wiring and switch and create a risk of fire. This is caused by the amount of power being drawn by the high output lights or accessories. A relay works by using a switch to run 12 volts to the relay. The relay acts as an electrical switch that activates and draws power straight from a good fused battery connection and sends it to the lights or accessory. The power actually going to the switch never gets routed to the lights. Generally you'll have a larger gauge wire going to the lights than to the switch because the lights pull much greater power.

rctrav

Your switch will burn out fast.

cruiser54

Use a relay. This may be more than you want to know, but a little knowledge is good:

http://www.rattlebars.com/avalanche/relay_basics.html

alpine.adrenaline

A relay handles the electrical load that most 12v switches cannot.

94XjSport94

*asks question*

Don't tell me why or how they work, just why it is a choice to use one.

Alright... Use a relay, normal non LED light can't handle the power your super awesome bro KC lights put out.

Are you using a fuse?

kissthis66

yes, also using relays, just didn't understand how they worked. with the posts and little more reading i now have a better understanding of how they work and why they should be used. thanks everyone for your input, greatly appreciated.

also if you all don't mind checking out my other thread, need help hooking them all up to my rocker switch.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/3-...needed-183657/

SeriousOffroad

Have you tried asking the vendor you bought them from?

94XjSport94

Ok... That link took me to an introduction thread from 07. Lol.