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Power source for LED bar

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by AMRE2ME2, Oct 16, 2015.

  1. Oct 16, 2015 at 4:24 AM
    #1
    AMRE2ME2

    AMRE2ME2 [OP] New Member

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    Where is everyone taping into to get your 12volt power from? Is there a certain fuse that is better then another one to use. Want it to power off when key is off.
    And how are you taping into it? Using a fuse tap? Or do I need to run a fused wire right from the battery?
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2015
  2. Oct 16, 2015 at 6:49 AM
    #2
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't have a light bar yet but the proper way would be to use a relay. The main power source comes direct from the battery the secondary source that goes through the switch to the other connection on the relay would be accessory power. This power can be pulled from the fuse box under the dash. For my amp accessory power i pulled from an open slot that happened to be accessory power.
    Used one of these
    [​IMG]

    to plug here

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2015
    831Tun likes this.
  3. Oct 16, 2015 at 8:29 AM
    #3
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    We advise against using an Add-A-Fuse or similar as the main power for Aux. Lights. A wiring harness w/ relay and fuse directly to the vehicles battery is the best way to go. This keeps extra strain off of the OEM electrical system. Many of the circuits were only designed for 7.5-20Amps.. Adding a light bar on top of that could overload the circuit.

    An option for you is to find a keyed 12V source and use it as the trigger for the relay. It will turn on/off when the key is on/off and will only use the OEM circuit as a trigger. Not a main power source for the light.
    Good Luck with the project!

    Thank You,
    Bailey, Baja Designs
     
  4. Oct 16, 2015 at 7:09 PM
    #4
    AMRE2ME2

    AMRE2ME2 [OP] New Member

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    Thank you guys. Just the info I was looking for.
     
  5. Oct 17, 2015 at 10:34 AM
    #5
    TNTundra08

    TNTundra08 New Member

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    There is a killeeeeeeer right up on a Tacoma forum. It's saved to a computer I don't have so sorry it isn't a lot of help. If you google "how to wire LED" or something and one comes from a Tacoma forum it's probably it... You'll know bc it gives every detail possible and pictures. It's what I used to do my bars.
     
  6. Oct 17, 2015 at 10:40 AM
    #6
    TNTundra08

    TNTundra08 New Member

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    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  7. Oct 17, 2015 at 12:14 PM
    #7
    AMRE2ME2

    AMRE2ME2 [OP] New Member

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    Got it all done, thanks
     
  8. Oct 18, 2015 at 5:14 AM
    #8
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    :worthless:
     
  9. Nov 5, 2015 at 2:25 PM
    #9
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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  10. Nov 5, 2015 at 3:13 PM
    #10
    TNTundra08

    TNTundra08 New Member

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    ayyyyyy that's the one I was talking about. That's what I used to do mine.
     
  11. Oct 22, 2018 at 10:33 PM
    #11
    TRD-tv

    TRD-tv Menace2Ohio

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    i know this is old, but were bros lol was thre a completely spare one or a separate one you tapped into. do u know whuch one. youd be a huge help . otherwise imma be using the test light all day lol
     
  12. Dec 7, 2019 at 9:01 AM
    #12
    zachzap361

    zachzap361 MEAN GREEN MACHINE

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    Finally getting into the lighting game and have a question. So I understand all that you mentioned but what is the main difference of a relay compared to a fuse relay? Any pro and cons? Also I see so many at 30/40 Amp and 12/14 AWG and don't really understand that either, sorry I'm a noob in this department and could use the help.
     

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