Aftermarket Light Question Dash Switched or on Bright Switch

[Techlight]

Hey Y'all,

So I wired up some aftermarket lights and I've been considering putting them on the same control relay as my brights. I ended up scoring 8 relays and two brackets and my pick and pull for 28 bucks. Ended up with 6 Bosch and 2 Hella's

Anyone feel like chiming in on their setup and if they like their lights switched with the brights or a dash switch...i'm trying to figure the pros and cons, but the only thing I can think of is if I was to actually "flash" someone in oncoming traffic to shut their brights off I might blind them.

On another note (and this is the wrong place for this, but why does the site not email me on threads i've subscribed too, very annoying. Lol, what section do I post this in)

Thanks for your input on the lights...i'm curious how you guys all switch them.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Best to run a separate, dedicated/fused circuit.
LG

 

[hdgapeach]

I have both; switch on the dash and incorporated the floor dimmer switch.

I don't ever recall using the KC's without the bright headlamps on at the same time. The switch on the dash prevents the KC's from coming on during regular road driving. Oh, and I used relays between the dash switch and the KC's.

If I remember right, I branched off the high beam wire from the dimmer switch with a wire to the dash switch. Then wires from the switch to the relay. Relay to the KC lights. And naturally, you have to run a wire from the battery to the relay.

 

[Techlight]

Thanks for the replies.

Definitely a dedicated/fused circuit. I didn't dedicate the switch though. This weekend I need to do the upgrade for my regular lights and then button up the rest of the offroad lights.

The switch and bright option sounds interesting. And I agree I think I'd never use them without the brights too...but I still worry I'll leave it on or something and then when I flash my brights at someone they'll crash lol.

 

[hole]

Whatever you do be careful with how you tie in with Hi beams, it's a hefty fine in Ca if you do flash someone with OR lights. I'm installing mine this weekend as well, but I'll be using a dash switch on a key on circuit to prevent the lights from being accidentally turned on and running the battery down while sitting.

 

[Techlight]

Whatever you do be careful with how you tie in with Hi beams, it's a hefty fine in Ca if you do flash someone with OR lights. I'm installing mine this weekend as well, but I'll be using a dash switch on a key on circuit to prevent the lights from being accidentally turned on and running the battery down while sitting.

Well, that probably decides it for me. I really don't need any tickets for that. I was thinking about adding in the bright switch part when I did the headlight upgrade this weekend. I currently have the OR lights hooked up the way you're going to do yours with the key on power and a dash switch. I'll probably leave it at that and call it done.

Lol, now I'm going to go google CA law on offroad lights

 

[Techlight]

Lol...there's a lot of info on this topic. Message boards all over and a bunch of articles. Mine are on the bumper and fall under the auxiliary driving lamps so it seems I'm good without covers (because I don't have any haha) and wired however as long as there not on with the low beams. I'll still leave them on the dash switch either way but the Code is good to know.



California Vehicle Code 24400-24411

24402. (a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two
auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less
than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches. Driving lamps are lamps
designed for supplementing the upper beam from headlamps and may not
be lighted with the lower beam.
(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two
auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less
than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches. Passing lamps are lamps
designed for supplementing the lower beam from headlamps and may also
be lighted with the upper beam.

 

[hole]

Interesting, and pretty vague, no mention of wattage or lumens maximums. By the definition given one could put aircraft landing lights on their rig so long as they are below 42 inches. Good info to have, but I wouldn't want to argue the point with a judge

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Those lights have to be D.O.T. approved also.
If they ain't-Must be covered when on the street. CHP is very picky in the AV about this.
LG