Thread: Simple wiring diagram

I drew up a simple diagram of how to do it right, and how to do it wrong! (It was all in BMP but somehow when I saved it got switched to JPEG)

Awesome diagram. It looks good, and is easy to understand.

Nice drawing, but the switch power circuit is overkill. You only need one fused circuit to the bank of switches powering the relays. To go further, use the switch inline of the relay grounds.

Originally Posted by EVModules

Nice drawing, but the switch power circuit is overkill. You only need one fused circuit to the bank of switches powering the relays. To go further, use the switch inline of the relay grounds.

It is a little more work and more materials, but this way if you have a problem with one relay it won't kill all of your switches which will kill all of your lights. Just one example of course!

Good drawing! One question tho. Are that many relays needed on a complete LED package?

Nice Diagram, but it is hard to follow up. ;3

The relays are good practice, but not entirely necessary with LEDs (but it won't hurt to have them if you want them). The inline fuses aren't really necessary if power coming to the switches is fused at the distribution point, so you can eliminate the inline fuses to save on materials.

Good to look at though. Maybe color code the different circuits for easier reference in the future?

i am trying sooooo hard to work through this and plan out a rewire of my entire vehicle. i am struggling with parts locally so i was trying to see how i could set it up without a solenoid. where am i feeding the main power to the switches from the fuse panel? how can i wire it up this way without the relays, or with the relays? This diagram is a great start but i need some help with signal direction and pin-outs.
Thanks!

I really like this diagram and I think I'm going to follow it for a re- wire. I use All LED's, but I haven't built a Load distribution system in a while! How many amps should the solenoid, fuses, and relays be if I'm only running LED? Thanks

Originally Posted by jcpse

I really like this diagram and I think I'm going to follow it for a re- wire. I use All LED's, but I haven't built a Load distribution system in a while! How many amps should the solenoid, fuses, and relays be if I'm only running LED? Thanks

Nobody can know how many amps you'll pull just by saying you run all-LEDs. So:

1-Add up the wattage of every module you have.
2-Divide that by 12 Volts. You'll have the amperage pull of your system.
3-Find the proper fuse for the load

Amps=Watts/Volts

So if you have let's say 95watts total: 95watts/12volts = 7.92 amps.

I understand the relays and the fuse block/distribution block, but is it always necessary to use a solenoid, or when you have more equipment?

Originally Posted by DMCGONAGIL

I understand the relays and the fuse block/distribution block, but is it always necessary to use a solenoid, or when you have more equipment?

No, you don't always need a solenoid if you wire your vehicle correctly. It all boils down to what equipment is being installed. Very rarely is a solenoid required in a typical install.

Agreed, solenoids are meant to handle high current loads (Think winch). The only time I ever used them was in 2 years working for a defense contractor, good bit of call for them in military applications. Now especially, relays will get the job done just fine if needed (in most cases). With the wide use of LED's and LC switching in most systems these days, there's really becoming less of a need for them than ever IMO. My most common uses for them now are #1 To create my own LC or Neg. switching systems #2 Light cutouts #3 To isolate components.

Example of #2 Pursuit switch 1: Rear/Deck 2: Front/Rear/Deck 3: Front/Rear/Deck/Dash/Grill Push button 1: turns off dash* 2: turns off deck* *For no flashback at night.

Just my