firecapt

I am wanting to hook up an LED auxiliary backup light. I do not intend to splice into my existing backup light wiring as I don't want the light to come on every time I shift to reverse. So since it will have it's own wiring and switch, is it necessary to install a relay?

BigJ1050

I would go ahead and install a relay. Do it right the first time

firecapt

I admit I am a bit of a electrical novice so my question is, what is the purpose of the relay in this application?

red09

I would just wire them to your switch. No relay required.

I didn't want any extra lights hanging back there so I had these installed into my reverse lights:

Robot Check

I then ran them to the sPod so I can also use them for trail, camping, work lights.

Divi

Your spod has relays. I would go through a relay as well.

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jnabird333

These lights are rated at 10 watts, which means each one will draw just under one amp. As long as the switch you are using is capable of switching 1.5-2 times the full running amps you will be fine without a relay. Just be sure to fuse the circuit at the switch's capability or 1.5 times the running amps of the light(s), which ever is smaller, and you will be fine.

VolsJK

You need an ON/OFF/ON switch. One ON goes to the relay for auxillary on, other ON splices into the reverse light wire. The middle prong (OFF) will be a ground if I remember correctly. I can take a look at mine for you.

You don't HAVE to run a relay, stuff just works better IMO.

jnabird333

Remember, if you tap into the stock reverse lights you will need to accommodate for the CANBUS signal that runs the stock reverse lights.

I didn't mention this initially because this was not the OP's intention.

EsByrd

I have the 10watt genright lights wired to a on/off/on so that one position is always on, one position is always off, and the last position is on when im in reverse cause I have it tapped into my reverse lights. I did not use a relay for this configuration and have not had a problem. You can see thwm in my rear bumper in this pic

jnabird333

I'm not sure but I think the GenRight lights have some circuitry added for CANBUS application. If an LED didn't it would flicker and while unlikely, could cause a diagnostic code.

I will add that the GenRight lights don't make since to me though. They claim they are a 10W LED. but only draw 0.2 amps at 12V. If they are truly a 10W LED then they will draw 0.833 amps at 12V or if they actually draw 0.2 amps they are 2.4W LEDS.... Something doesn't add up.