led light bar wiring.

[WheelinOK]

I have a 6 light led bar, 5w lights. Do I need a full wiring harness with a relay and all, or can I simplify it and just run wires direct with an inline fuse? I know on KC lights and such you need a low watt side, but this is only 5w and at 14.5v that's less than an amp.

Edit: or is that 30w because I assume they're on a parallel circuit?

What do y'all think?

Thanks

[TheAlmightySam]

Just to clarify, you have 6x 5W LED lights mounted on a bar? That's 30W total, so 2.5A. Depending on your switch, you could get away without a relay if you really wanted to.

That said, with how inexpensive and easy to wire a relay is, I can't think of a good reason not to run one. They're cheap insurance.

[WheelinOK]

Originally Posted by TheAlmightySam

Just to clarify, you have 6x 5W LED lights mounted on a bar? That's 30W total, so 2.5A. Depending on your switch, you could get away without a relay if you really wanted to.

That said, with how inexpensive and easy to wire a relay is, I can't think of a good reason not to run one. They're cheap insurance.

Yeah, the more I thought about it I realized I had higher amperage coming to the switch. I think I will run a relay. I just want to reduce the wiring under the hood until I have time to wire up a proper harness for my extra shit.

[deke]

Originally Posted by TheAlmightySam

Just to clarify, you have 6x 5W LED lights mounted on a bar? That's 30W total, so 2.5A. Depending on your switch, you could get away without a relay if you really wanted to.

That said, with how inexpensive and easy to wire a relay is, I can't think of a good reason not to run one. They're cheap insurance.

reducing complexity.....

[WheelinOK]

Originally Posted by deke

reducing complexity.....

That too. Would you just run two wires with a 5 amps inline fuse?

[apeters89]

Originally Posted by WheelinOK

That too. Would you just run two wires with a 5 amps inline fuse?

yes.

[maxyedor]

Only reason I can see to run a relay is to keep positive wires away from your dash. Assuming you don't already have a bunch, in which case it's a moot point.

[apeters89]

Originally Posted by maxyedor

Only reason I can see to run a relay is to keep positive wires away from your dash. Assuming you don't already have a bunch, in which case it's a moot point.

Even ground wires carry current. No reason to get crazy with a 2.5a load.

[maxyedor]

True, but a ground chafing and coming into contact with a ground won't hurt anything. 5 amps won't hurt anything before the fuse blows, either. However, if you already have a bunch of negative triggered relays on switches in the same area as the new LED switch, IMHO you should wire it all the same way.

[apeters89]

I agree, however anyone with enough electrical experience to wire up a bunch of negative switched circuits wouldn't be asking for advice on wiring in a 2.5a load

[WheelinOK]

Haha good point. I put her on a relay for good measure.