Electrical question

[Trader]

I put the rear running lights on the + acc. terminal of my skydoc fuse upgrade.

Then from the Acc. terminal to the switch, then to the rear lights.

There is no relay in the circuit.

 

It looks like the battery resistor mod is also on the same terminal.

 

Question #1-Is it possible that when I turned on the lights that I could have blown the resisitor?

 

It was fine during testing etc...but yesterday evening I decided to hit the switch to turn on the running lights and immediately my battery warning light started flashing and now it always on (with key on)

 

Question #2 If I need to install a relay in the running light circuit, what do I ask for?

Question #3 Does the battery resistor mod need it's own terminal?

[Trader]

Well, I answered my own question, at least partly.

 

Turns out I blew a fuse..that's why the battery resistor mod stopped working.

 

So I'll have to track down the reason for blowing fuses

it's 10 amp...is that enough?--see pic to see what it's running...there are 4 lights on each side also.

 

 

But.... the question remains

 

Do I need a relay in the rear aux. running lights circuit? (they are not LED)

Do I need one for the power supply (lighter)?

Do I need one for the air horns?

What is the rule of thumb concerning relays?

Which one do I ask for?

Edited May 14, 2012 by Trader

[Wizard765]

Steve:

 

I use a relay on all of the above. It isolates the add ons from your bike's harness and also allows more power to those units. You can get the relays at Canadian Tire or any auto parts store. I have relays for my highway lights and for my steble horn. I also have relays for each set of lights in my rear bumper and for the trailer harness. My LED's didn't work properly until I used the relays. Now I have a hot fused wire running to the rear of the bike and it powers all the lights.

[Flyinfool]

Well, I answered my own question, at least partly.

 

Turns out I blew a fuse..that's why the battery resistor mod stopped working.

 

So I'll have to track down the reason for blowing fuses (it's 10 amp...is that enough?)

 

 

But.... the question remains

 

1. Do I need a relay in the rear aux. running lights circuit? (they are not LED)

2. Do I need one for the power supply (lighter)?

3. Do I need one for the air horns?

4. What is the rule of thumb concerning relays?

5. Which one do I ask for?

 

1. It depends on how many and what wattage you have. If the fuse blew just because of the number of lights and the power they are pulling then you need a relay.

2. Depends on if you want it powered all the time or just with the ignition on.

3. YES

4. Relays are needed any time you are turning any significant power on or off. I will generally use a relay if I an getting over 3 amps that I want switched.

5. The most common type you will need is the standard 30-40 amp automotive relay from any auto parts store.

 

Generally any time you need to add a relay you also need to add a fused lead to get power to the relay.