Cigar plug help

[watts289]

I know this isn't computer related at all, but I am a volunteer EMT-B in NJ, and we are allowed to put emergency blue lights in our vehicle.

The lights i have already are connected via the cigar plug, but i want to cut them off, and wire them to a standard switch, I have 3 lights that i want to run off one switch. Can someone help me out?

[imperialreign]

I know this isn't computer related at all, but I am a volunteer EMT-B in NJ, and we are allowed to put emergency blue lights in our vehicle.

The lights i have already are connected via the cigar plug, but i want to cut them off, and wire them to a standard switch, I have 3 lights that i want to run off one switch. Can someone help me out?

sure, you're wiring diagram should look something like this:

http://img.techpowerup.org/080430/untitled.jpg



your best bet, would be to tie into a hot wire (like the power feed to the cigar lighter), you can use a splice with a crimp connector - disconnect the battery, and cut the wire going to the cigar lighter, strip back both wire insulations. insert the wire coming from the vehicle harness into one side of the connector, the other side , twist the wire going to the cigar lighter with the wire that will go to your switch, and insert into the other side of the connector. I'd also recommend installing a fuse in the small length of wire that will run from this splice to the switch.

on the switch, there should be a small diagram explaining what each terminal is; connector the power wire coming from your splice to the power terminal of the switch. then run a small length of wire from the "on" terminal to another crimp connector - on the other side of the connector, twist all three power wires for the each individual light together, and install into the crimp.

from the lights, run all three ground wires to a common point on the vehicle body, and drill a small hole - make sure you won't drill into a vehicle wiring harness or something first - then use some sand paper and clean the paint away from around the hole and use a self-tapping or body screw to secure the ground wires to the body.


If done right - your cigar lighter will still work properly, and all 3 lights will activate correctly when you turn your switch on.

[Wile E]

Make sure you choose a high amperage switch. Depending on the light type, they can draw quite a bit of power.

[watts289]

They are L.E.D. type so, im gunna say a 5 amp switch should do it and give some headroom?

[intel igent]

you should be good to go with the switch/diagram posted

[imperialreign]

They are L.E.D. type so, im gunna say a 5 amp switch should do it and give some headroom?

hmmm . . . depends. Maybe if each light only has 1 LED by itslef that'd be alright. Most automotive LED lights pack a few. Either way, I'd recommend a 20A switch, and try a 10A or 15A fuse first. You want the fuse to be the weakest link, but you don't want to allow too much amperage of your could fry the wiring (or your new lights).

Typically, though, most factory and aftermarket accent lighting doesn't need more than a 15A fuse.