My '92 came with a set of 2 driving lamps... I haven't ripped apart the car to see how they're wired, but I know there's a relay and fuses connected. I, however, like the 4 light look, and have obtained a second set of lights from Wipac to add to the mix.

The question I have is: how do you have your 4-light setup conected? Assuming that the wiring is of sufficient gauge to carry enough current without melting (if not I'll upgrade it to a thicker gauge), can I run the second set of lights from the same relay, or will I have to get into some arcane multi-relay setup? I also know that I'll likely have to put in larger fuses to protect the hard line running to the battery (I hope so, anyway ).

I know that plenty of people have 4 lamps wired into their classics, but I've never actually pulled one apart to see how they're wired, and before now all I've ever installed was a 2 light/one relay system.

Thanks!

 

You really need to know the amperage rating of the contacts in the existing relay. If it is sufficient for double the existing current draw of the two lights (assuming the new lights offerthe same load as the existing), then you can use the same relay. I would suggest adding a safety margin. That is, if the two lights draw 10 amps and the relay is rated at 20A, that is not , imo, sufficient margin. If the relay is rated at 30 amps, that would be better. The next issue is fusing. Is the existing fuse(s) between the relay and the lights or between the relay and the battery? If it were mine, I'd plan on a 2nd fuse (or pair of fuses) for the new lights, so that if one fuse blows, you're not left in the dark, so to speak. Actually a two relay setup is not that arcane. Both relay coils are in parallel (switched by the existing switch). The Battery side of the relays can be shared, depending on the location of the existing fuse. The "Load" side of the new relay goes to the two new lights.

Hope this isn't too confusing. Harder to describe than it is to draw a pix.

 

one fuse, one relay & one switch for each pair of lamps. wire power direct from source (batt/solenoid) with inline fuses to relay to lamps...use a separte lower voltage circuit for switches..... that gives you the most options for use.

 

+1 ^ Yep that's the best way IMO.

You want to keep the smoke in the wires.

 

Hmmm... so duplicate EVERYTHING, right down to the switch. Interesting. Well, God knows I know how to wire up switches - now I just have to find a place to put 'em.

 

I agree with Minimad. Its the most conservative (i.e. electrically safe) method. And gives you the option of having either or both pair of lights on. Don't forget to fuse the switch circuits. low amperage - maybe 5 amps - just enough for the relays.

 

Whenever I put something in my car EVERYTHING gets fused... I'll need to check to see if the guy that installed the set already in the car fused that lead (I'd bet money he didn't). I'll use LED switches for the lamps, just so I don't go off and leave them running - a 3A fuse is actually PLENTY for the switched line, even with LEDs in them, since they draw practically nil current.


I can tell already that the easiest way to do this is probably going to yank out everything already in the car and re-wire it according to my own specifications. The yahoo used electrical tape on the connection to the lamps instead of heat-shrink tubing, so God alone knows how the rest of the circuit is configured... Yeeks.

 

I think pulling out the existing wiring is your best bet Matt. Not any harder to run wiring for 4 lights as opposed to 1. Also you will find if there are any potential smoke leaks in the original stuff.