Ho much load can the 83SC foglight switch handle?

[SCWDP911]

Hello all... Can someone tell me how much load the 83SC foglight switch can handle safely?

[jonbot]

Switch, or relay?

[tcar]

Put a relay on it. No worries.

[john walker's workshop]

the switch operates a relay, so the relay takes the load.

[jonbot]

What are you planning on doing?

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by jonbot

What are you planning on doing?

hood mounted lights... OK< sorry I hsould have been more specific about the interest in the load the circuit could handle... Sounds like I could maybe use the Sucro relay if I wanted to beef it up beyond it's current (no pun intended) capacity.

[jonbot]

So how many fog/driving lights total would be controlled by the fog light switch?

[SCWDP911]

probably 4

[jonbot]

Do you know how many watts each of the bulbs are?

[jmohn]

Determine the total wattage of the lights, divide by 12, this will give you the total amperage (volts x amps = watts), if the resulting amperage is less than the rating of the existing relay you're golden. If the result is more than the capacity of the relay you'll need to replace it (and the all wiring leading to and from it).

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by jmohn

Determine the total wattage of the lights, divide by 12, this will give you the total amperage (volts x amps = watts), if the resulting amperage is less than the rating of the existing relay you're golden. If the result is more than the capacity of the relay you'll need to replace it (and the all wiring leading to and from it).

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

Yeah, this is why I was asking. My idea is still in the planning stages. I was just curious what the real world experience might be with that switch/relay/wiring as far as a safe load. I was mostly asking as I figured someone might know off the top of their head. I will look in my Betley to see the relay rating is there, otherwise I will try to find it on the car.

Thanks

[jonbot]

Well, the real world experience would tell you that you should look at what the circuit was originally designed to handle, and that's 2 x 55 Watt bulbs = 9.2 Amps. It wouldn't be wise to increase the load on this circuit far from what it was originally designed for (think electrical fire). Hate to be dramatic, but you gotta be careful with electrical stuff. In your case, you'll need to find out how many watts the bulbs are, then go from there. Does that help?

[SCWDP911]

That was my assumption jonbot, but I hate to assume as I have been wrong before. I just wasn't sure if it had any wiggle room at all. I will just use the 2x55 watts for the project if I do it.

Thanks

[kplackmeyer]

Just add a second relay for the second set of lights. You can activate it with the same controlling circuit (the switch on the dash) but the load for the lights will be new. Run wires to the battery and be sure to fuse the load and the control.