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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bigbikerrick on January 13, 2016, 02:40:23 PM

Title: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: bigbikerrick on January 13, 2016, 02:40:23 PM: Hi Folks I am adding 2 led daytime running lights to my LeMans. they draw 10watts each. I am running a wire from the fuse box to the lights for 12v+ and am running a separate ground wire which I plan to interrupt with a toggle switch to turn the lights off. My question is since I have only a 20 watt draw should I install a relay, or is it un necessary due to the small amount of current these lights draw? I already have relays in place for the horns, hi low beam , and the starter.
Thanks
Rick
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Tobit on January 13, 2016, 03:08:32 PM: You could run them off the relay you've installed for the lo beam and interrupt their ground with the toggle switch. That way, whenever the low is on you have the option of turning on the driving lights.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on January 13, 2016, 03:19:13 PM: No, you don't need a relay for a couple of Amps

Horns really benefit from relays and a large feed wire direct from battery, the regular wires are usually too small, equate it to the welding cable they put on car speakers.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Wayne Orwig on January 13, 2016, 05:01:26 PM: No relay required.
Not only that, but LEDs have regulators in them, so it can't be any brighter, even if it does get a few extra tenths of a volt.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on January 13, 2016, 06:02:36 PM: Quote from: Wayne Orwig on January 13, 2016, 05:01:26 PM
No relay required.
Not only that, but LEDs have regulators in them, so it can't be any brighter, even if it does get a few extra tenths of a volt.
Excellent Point
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: bigbikerrick on January 13, 2016, 06:20:08 PM: Thank you folks, I appreciate the responses. I will shoot a couple pics of the lights and the bracket I fabricated to mount them, and post them here later.
Rick.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: ITSec on January 13, 2016, 06:30:10 PM: I'm going to be contrary - I believe (especially on motorcycles) that using relays to isolate accessories is almost always a good idea, as long as you buy quality relays. The circuit you describe probably doesn't need one from a draw/demand perspective, but it's always nice to have one so that you can isolate issues and improve reliability.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Kiwi Dave on January 13, 2016, 09:46:02 PM: Another bit of hardware to go wrong; how does this increase reliability?

A simple fuse will provide all the isolation you need.
Title: Re: Install a relay? Yes or no?
Post by: Wayne Orwig on January 13, 2016, 10:47:30 PM: Just another point of failure. Another good reason to NOT add a relay.