Wiring up some lights
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
I was recently given two 3x5 Per-Lux 500 lights. I don't know much about them. They didn't come with any wiring except the two wires sticking out if the back of the lights. Any ideas in where to get the wiring that would be needed to instal? And is there any way to test the lights before I go gung ho installing them?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 278
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From: Oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline Six
To test the lights you can touch one wire to the positive battery terminal and the other wire to the Jeeps frame or negative battery terminal. That will turn on the light. For the wire, you can get it at any local hardware store. The size you will need can vary though depending on the length of the wire ran and the expected max amps run through the system. Here is a chart describing the relationship between the distance, amount of amps, and the wire size.

Also in my build thread, I have mounted KC lights on the roof of my XJ and have shown how I ran the wiring system.
Good Luck!

Also in my build thread, I have mounted KC lights on the roof of my XJ and have shown how I ran the wiring system.
Good Luck!
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Northern, California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I'm not sure that it matters on that type of light bulb because the element itself completes the circuit right? (Somebody chime in I may be in over my head)..
.. But to be sure I would look up the manufacture the lights, how to wire etc..
.. But to be sure I would look up the manufacture the lights, how to wire etc..
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
I was thinking the same thing. Especially because there is no distinctions what to ever on the differences between the wires. Same size, color, and connector. I'm doing research right now on them. I hadn't heard of this brand so I'm learning.
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 278
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From: Oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline Six
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Now that I know they work. It's off to town to get some wire and whatever else I need. A switch for sure. Then will I need a fuse somewhere in there? Electrical isn't my favorite but I understand the basics of it. Run wires from the battery to the switch then to the lights?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Picked this up after dealing with inexperienced people at the auto parts store for about 15 minutes. I want to go wire it all up right now but it's raining pretty good
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 86
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From: Austin, TX
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My experience with some kits is that the fuse is in an odd place. The fuse should be as close to the battery as possible. "Where" you ask? As close to the battery as possible! Just so that if something ever grounds out etc. you don't have a looooong live wire running through your jeep. Probably should take about a couple of hours to wire up. Good luck! I just did some auxiliary lighting today, so let me know if you need some ideas.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline Six
Now that I know they work. It's off to town to get some wire and whatever else I need. A switch for sure. Then will I need a fuse somewhere in there? Electrical isn't my favorite but I understand the basics of it. Run wires from the battery to the switch then to the lights?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: California
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
My experience with some kits is that the fuse is in an odd place. The fuse should be as close to the battery as possible. "Where" you ask? As close to the battery as possible! Just so that if something ever grounds out etc. you don't have a looooong live wire running through your jeep. Probably should take about a couple of hours to wire up. Good luck! I just did some auxiliary lighting today, so let me know if you need some ideas.


