Another fog lamp install thread

isea · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:18 pm Post subject: Another fog lamp install thread

I am really sorry to bring up a topic that is gone over some many times already on the Samba but I really just want to make sure I do this right.

The fog lights I have only have one wire coming out of them. I thought there would be two. Isn't there suppose to be a ground wire too?

I have a 20amp fuse. Should that be installed between the switch and the battery or the lights and the switch?

I have a 20amp switch. I am unclear but from what I have read it seems like I would be ok with the 20amp switch and no relay.

Clearly I am ignorant about this installation so be patient please.

And if you want to just spell out the directions like I'm a 5 year old from another planet that would be fine too Smile

Thanks!
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

61SNRF · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:38 pm Post subject:

Is your car 12 volt?
_________________
-Bruce

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

isea · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:40 pm Post subject:

sorry, yes it's a 12volt
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

61SNRF · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 8:14 pm Post subject:

Does it have an Alternator, or a Generator?
_________________
-Bruce

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

isea · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 8:20 pm Post subject:

It's a generator.
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

RareAir · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 8:29 pm Post subject:

Ground connection is made via the brackets to body, much like reverse lights.
_________________
1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

isea · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:49 pm Post subject:

OK, that's what I thought, but I wasn't sure.
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

isea · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 9:35 am Post subject:

OK, so is it safe to say I can run a 14 gauge wire from the battery to a 20amp switch then a 20amp inline fuse then the lights?
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 9:36 am Post subject:

How many Watts are your lights?
14 gauge should be ok, but can your switch handle the Amps?
Prolonged illumination of high wattage lamps can destroy switches in a short time.
As for fuse placement, it depends on your path for circuits. You need it close to the voltage starting source to protect the most.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
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isea · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 9:54 am Post subject:

I'm embarrassed to say I do not know the watts on the lights. I got these ones:

http://www.socalautoparts.com/aftermarket-fog-lights-12-volt-5in-chrome-amber-p-17020.html

I don't see anything on the light or the shipping info with the watts.

As far as the fuse goes I just put that right off the battery I guess.
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:02 am Post subject:

You'll probably be ok using a 20 Amp rated switch only. (rather than adding a relay)
(Id really want to know how many amps those use.)

Id route a battery feed with the fuse at the battery, to supply your switch. That way the entire circuit added, from the battery is protected. Lower your fuse to 15 amps. I doubt those lights use that many amps, maybe 3-5 each.. Without measuring or knowing how many amps those lights use its a guess at proper amp rating fuse.
You can start low like 10, and if its ok.. leave it, if it pops after using without any other fault, up it to 15.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

61SNRF · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:14 am Post subject:

If the kit came with a 20 amp fuse, that's probably about twice what the lights draw, in other words ~10 amps total or 5 amps each.

Ohm's law say's: 12v x 10a = 120 watts total.

Most auxiliary lights will draw an excessive amount of electrical power for a stock 12v Beetle with a stock Generator. The car was not designed with any extra reserve of electrical power for accessories other than a transistor radio.

If you are serious about this, really need and will use the Fog lights, then you would be well advised to upgrade to an ALT with higher output, a Battery with a larger capacity, and for optimum performance run them through a relay.
_________________
-Bruce

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Miklo · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 10:29 am Post subject:

isea · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2012 12:40 pm Post subject:

great! thanks guys this is all very helpful
_________________
'67 Beetle, Fresh 1600cc SP
2.5" drop spindles

onetuza · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 7:31 am Post subject:

What gauge wire from the battery to the relay?
_________________
When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather . . . .
Not screaming, like the other passengers in his car!

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 7:36 am Post subject:

Keith · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:07 am Post subject:

VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:36 am Post subject:

Best I can do on short notice.... Wink

I'd have to search my 6 volt American Archives.

http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/WireSizeCalc.html.

Wire gauge rating is more about AMP capacity, the voltage is the pusher of said amps.

Rule of thumb, measure the amps and select the correct gauge. Usually 1 size larger for 6 volts. Thats simply to keep resistance down and voltage drop to a minimum.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited

JSB · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 11:49 am Post subject:

Veedubdoug,

Nice diagram. Is that the same relay used for rear window defog? If not, do you have a part #? Thanks.


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