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Wiring for LED Pod Lights

Discussion in 'Electrical' started by 2020cementsr5, Dec 1, 2021.

  1. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #1
    2020cementsr5

    2020cementsr5 [OP] New Member

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    I just bought a pair of Diode Dynamics SS3 LED Pod Lights. I am putting these in a SAE compliant position low on my grill. It will have a switch (button) in the car to turn them on/off.

    However, I want to hook them so that they can only possibly turn on when my high beams are on such that:
    • High Beams = Off, then lights are always off regardless of switch position
    • High Beams = On and Switch = On, then lights are on
    • High Beams = On and Switch = Off, then lights are off
    This way, if I am on a long drive on back roads where I see cars once an hour I can keep High Beams on and Switch on so that when I see a car I just turn high beams off and both go off. I think there a few ways to do this but want to know everyone's opinion about where and what to connect to the high beams. And if I should wire directly to high beam negative or splice into a wire??

    Let me know your thoughts :)
     
  2. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:23 AM
    #2
    Oey12

    Oey12 New Member

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    In the the past I have done this without issue. I purchase a fuse tap for the High beam fuse and wired it (meaning lights) directly. Therefore no need for an auxiliary switch, Easy peezy IMHO…
     
  3. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:29 AM
    #3
    Dsptundra

    Dsptundra Still a new member...

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  4. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:35 AM
    #4
    2020cementsr5

    2020cementsr5 [OP] New Member

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  5. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:36 AM
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    2020cementsr5

    2020cementsr5 [OP] New Member

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    So you are saying you powered your lights with the high beam? I will be powering the lights with the battery and want a switch where I can turn them off in the event that I want high beams on and light pods off. Do you have any ideas on that setup? What would I wire fuse tap to? The negative of the relay?
     
    Oey12[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Dec 1, 2021 at 7:56 AM
    #6
    Oey12

    Oey12 New Member

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    Yes, I have powered lights both ways. The only thing I don’t like about an auxiliary switch is that you have to pass the wiring through the firewall (it’s like a rubber seal). You have to be careful to not make the hole too big otherwise there is a possibility of debri getting into the cab. Not complicated though just more time consuming. Personally I seem to get more use out of the lights when I wired them to the high beams because you never had to switch them on…
     
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  7. Dec 1, 2021 at 1:55 PM
    #7
    2020cementsr5

    2020cementsr5 [OP] New Member

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    @Oey12 you seem to know this stuff well and thank you for the help.

    I am wondering if I do this if it would work. Lights powered by battery and everything run to a relay. Create a circuit between the negative of the relay and the negative of the Headlight Fuse in the fuse box. Does that work?
     
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  8. Dec 1, 2021 at 3:47 PM
    #8
    Oey12

    Oey12 New Member

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    I only know the basic stuff. But if I understand you correctly I believe it would just be easier to buy a wiring harness than what your describing. I have used various wiring harnesses from different brands with success.

    In the past I have preferred to run the power off the battery especially with LED’s when using a switch so I could have the lights on whenever I want. I don’t see why you couldn’t run the power off the high beam with fuse tap (I wouldn’t splice into that, I lack the intestinal fortitude and proper know how). I would also suggest reaching out to Diode Dynamics to get their input.
     
    2020cementsr5[OP] likes this.

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