Some of this might sound like stupid questions, and I DID use the search function to try and find answers but didn't see any. So here goes:

I have a set of PIAA 540 lights, that are going to be mounted on the windshield mounts on my JK. The instructions for installation state that the "Switch Power" should only be connected to a power source that will supply power when the LOW beams are on. I was hoping to have these lights be completely independent of my lighting system and just provide a constant power to the switch (Whenever the car is running that is) so that I can turn them on/off when I want to use them. Is that illegal? I'm in SC but i'm pretty sure that would change state to state.

Also what wire should I tap into for either A: using these lights with the low beams only, or B: using these lights whenever I want, but only when the car is running or on accessory.

Thanks in advance!

 

I believe the law states that they can't be used on road if they are above you headlights. I installed a set of RR lights on my wife's jeep two days ago. I tapped into the driver side running light to get power for the switch. I wish I could post picks but she's at work.

 

Each state is different, check the local DMV site might help.

Typically I wire them (through a relay) to an ignition on wire (like radio or cigarette lighter), but in my wife's case I just connected them to the high beams so they come on together. You can also connect to one of the parking lights so the relay would only allow them for use when you at least have them on.

 

Yeah, these are not something i'm thinking to use on-road. So I have the wiring harness from PIAA which contains a Relay that gets wired to the battery, then has a clip into each light, and finally 2 wires going out to a switch (Which I'm going to cut off and use my own switch) and a 3'rd wire coming from the switch. It's that 3'rd wire which i'm assuming you have to connect to a power source such as a marker light, or the stereo etc.

I'm hesitant to use the stereo, but a marker light or the lighter might work. Once I get a power-source for the switch at the switch cluster is it then okay to piggy back off of that for future switch/electronics needs?

 

Yeah its that third wire that I hooked to the lamps. I used a splice connector. As far as piggy backing, it depends on how much power you would for the future connections. I'm no expert but I know you wouldn't want to overload the circuit.

 

You can come by if you want and copy my 540 routing if you like. Be home around 530

 

Yeah, but if I install similar to this where the actual lighting or accessory gets power direct from the battery, through a relay, the power draw off that wire is just for the switch right? That should be pretty minuscule I would imagine, or does that cause some sort of load?


Also - and i'm about to go search for this since i'm 100% sure this has been answered somewhere before, but How did you all pass the switch wires through the firewall and where did they come out without having to tear the dash apart. I'm installing switches on the A-Pillar so if I can easily pass them through somewhere there, without having to route from behind the stereo or something then I would prefer that!

 

Remove the panel on the driver side of the dash and you will see a hole filled with foam. Straighten a coat hanger and push it through the foam. Then tape your wire to it and pull it back though.

 

Thanks for all the quick answers. Just finished up doing the install, took about 45 minutes and was pretty easy. I went through the firewall right where you all described by the A-Pillar and was able to tap into the accessory lighter power so the lights will only work when the key is in accessory or the engine is on, but are independent of the headlights/fog lights, which is what I wanted.

Thanks again!