Convenient 12V supply for running lights?

[nikos]

I'm trying to wire in some day time running lights.

Is there a convenient 12V supply near the headstock that is live only with the engine running?

 

[motobiker]

The usual method is to connect the lights to the battery and then with a clever relay thingie use the sidelight wire to activate with a separate on/off power switch. I'm no electrician.. so if that sounds confusing - there's a reason for this.

 

[Greg Masters]

Why not just tap into the 'sidelight' feed?



Greg

 

[Steptoe]

How many watts do the lights draw.

 

[nikos]

How many watts do the lights draw.

These are some Ring hi power LED jobs - seem very bright and power for both banks of lights is total 15W.

I have found various feeds for different ignition key positions but am confused about the load relief relay. It would be good to find a feed that works soley wth engine running.....

 

[Onwalkabout]

I spliced into the Green wire on the ignition switch (live key on) and ran the feed to a relay powering a Centech fuse box directly through the battery. All the load is on the fuse box. Advantages are that the load is through the Centech and not the spliced wire, it only operates with the key on, it's fully fused in case of misshaps and great for attaching other bits of kit. I have HiD fog lamps, a GPS and an Autocom through the system. I would not hook up any accessory through the existing wiring without a relay and seperate fuse as the loom is not designed for the extra sustained current.

As for running only, the electrical system does not work this way. Unless you go for something really radical like hooking into the charging system , ignition position on is your best bet. Have a search here and you will find a dozen different good ideas - some suggest the horn circuit, others the lighting, others like me went for the igniton. Either way, a relay and seperate fuse are essential and very easy to hook up.

 

[nikos]

I spliced into the Green wire on the ignition switch (live key on) and ran the feed to a relay powering a Centech fuse box directly through the battery. All the load is on the fuse box. Advantages are that the load is through the Centech and not the spliced wire, it only operates with the key on, it's fully fused in case of misshaps and great for attaching other bits of kit. I have HiD fog lamps, a GPS and an Autocom through the system. I would not hook up any accessory through the existing wiring without a relay and seperate fuse as the loom is not designed for the extra sustained current.

As for running only, the electrical system does not work this way. Unless you go for something really radical like hooking into the charging system , ignition position on is your best bet. Have a search here and you will find a dozen different good ideas - some suggest the horn circuit, others the lighting, others like me went for the igniton. Either way, a relay and seperate fuse are essential and very easy to hook up.

Thanks for this advice. At the moment I'm taking a feed from a violet wire that is "off" when the key is in the steering lock position - this runs into a 8 pin connetcor but goes nowhere! It's not very convenient - I'll look for a centech for future expansion...

 

[denny]

Why not just tap into the 'sidelight' feed?



Greg

Sidelight feed as in up by the lights themselves or somewhere nearer the battery/fuse panel? Having a bit of difficulty finding a decent feed too.