Understanding a Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram is crucial for anyone looking to install or troubleshoot auxiliary lighting on their vehicle. This diagram acts as a blueprint, guiding you through the connections needed to safely and effectively power your light bar. Without a proper Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram, you risk damaging your vehicle's electrical system or your new lights.
What is a Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram and Why It Matters
A Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram illustrates how to connect a relay, a critical component that acts as an electrical switch. Relays are used because light bars, especially powerful ones, draw a significant amount of current. Directly connecting them to your vehicle's existing switches could overload and damage those switches or even your vehicle's wiring harness. The relay allows a low-current signal from your dashboard switch to control a high-current circuit, thus protecting your vehicle's original wiring.
The diagram typically shows the following key components and their connections:
- The Relay: Usually a four or five-pin device with terminals labeled 30, 85, 86, and 87 (and sometimes 87a).
- The Light Bar: The device you want to power.
- The Battery: The power source.
- The Vehicle's Fuse Box: Where you'll likely draw power and connect the control circuit.
- The Switch: The button or toggle you'll use to turn the light bar on and off.
Here's a common setup explained by a Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram:
- Terminal 30 (Power In): This terminal on the relay is connected directly to the positive (+) terminal of your vehicle's battery, usually through a fuse for protection.
- Terminal 87 (Power Out): This terminal is connected to the positive (+) terminal of your light bar. When the relay is activated, power flows from terminal 30, through the relay, and out to the light bar via terminal 87.
- Terminal 85 (Ground for Coil): This terminal is connected to the negative (-) ground of your vehicle's chassis.
- Terminal 86 (Control Signal): This terminal is connected to one side of your vehicle's switch. The other side of the switch is connected to a positive (+) source, often from a switched accessory power source (like the ignition or a fuse tap).
The importance of following a precise Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram cannot be overstated. It ensures that the current draw from your light bar is managed efficiently and safely, preventing electrical fires and damage to your vehicle's sensitive electronics.
For your installation, we highly recommend referring to the specific Light Bar Relay Wiring Diagram provided by the manufacturer of your light bar or consulting a reputable automotive electrical guide. These resources will offer the most accurate and detailed instructions for your particular setup.