headlamp relay or...not ??

glennster · Nov 2, 2012

rewiring front and rear headlamps on my new to me skidsteer. wiring was kind of cobbled, but i located a 15 amp headlamp relay wired in the system.(the old relay is damaged) 10 ga wire runs from the + battery to an inline fuse to the relay and on to the lamps. i have a new push pull headlamp switch rated at 15 amp. any good reason to leave the relay in there, or just remove it and use the switch as a stand alone?? only real reason i can see the relay was in there was to energize the headlamp circuit with the key on.

Mike (WA) · Nov 2, 2012

Primary reason for headlight relays on cars is that the battery is up by the headlights, so a very short run of heavy wire was needed. This was especially important on 6 volt cars, which used twice the amperage. With "headlights" on both ends of your skidsteer, the short wire run advantage is gone, so I'd probably just run it through the switch.

BCnT · Nov 2, 2012

unless your 15A switch is new old stock,i'd run a relay...i havent been able to find a decent 15 or 30 amp ANYWHERE...they burn up in a couple weeks time IF they last that long.

headlamp relay or...not ??

glennster

Well-known Member

Mike (WA)

Well-known Member

BCnT

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