Led light switch question

[ebg18t]

Guys - I know this is basic, but I want to know what switch I need and best way to wire.

1. - I am running 1 led light bar from exploration outfitters. I am using there switch/harness but I want matching switches in my panel and the ones from Otrattw look great.

I have this wiring harness: http://explorationoutfitters.com/collections/led-lighting/products/wiring-harness-kit-single-light it has 3 wires inside the switch.

I want to use one of these switches: http://www.otrattw.com/proddetail.php?prod=VVPZC05-5BL. But not sure which combo I need.

Will I be able to just use the existing wires from the harness? Or will I need to change it somehow?

2.- If I want to also replace my ARB compressor switch. Which one of these works as a replacement? http://www.otrattw.com/proddetail.php?prod=VVPZC9A-1AC&cat=33

3.- Lastly if I want a rear light that I can be triggered to come on in reverse yet be able to switch on when in park and I need a rear work light how would I wire that?

Thanks and sorry for the winded post.

 

[BrianTN]

I'm interested in this as well. I'll be wiring up switches for an air locker and air compressor.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would think any of the SPST switches should work for that.

You'll need to identify which two wires in the harness trigger the lighting relay (which one is V+, and which one goes to the relay). The 3rd wire is most likely a ground wire for the indicator lamp within the switch and/or nighttime illumination of the switch.

ARB's switches are SPST.

 

[Jr_Explorer]

Let me try to throw out some definitions so no one is afraid to ask. My dad was the electrical engineer so I may have some of this wrong.

SPST - Single Pole, Single Throw
This type of switch had two "poles" to attach wires to. In one position it is "open" and breaks the circuit and in the other position it is "closed" and current can flow.

DPDT - Double Pole, Double Throw
This type of switch will have three "poles" or posts (let's say 1, 2, 3 with pole 2 in the middle). With the switch in one position the circuit will be closed between pole 1 and pole 2 and open between pole 2 & 3. Throw the switch to the other position and the circuit will be open between 1 & 2 and closed between 2 & 3.

So using a DPDT switch you run the power wire from the light (the +12vdc) to pole 2. Pole 3 needs to go to a battery power connection. Pole 1 needs to tap into the power connection that lights your stock back-up lights. So in position 1 the circuit is closed to the light and will be energized when you put the vehicle in reverse and power goes to the stock lights. In position 2 you are manually turning on the light.

I'm sure someone can whip up a simple schematic of all this blah-blah.

 

[4x4junkie]

^^
You almost have it...

A SPST switch has two connections (or terminals) on it, but is just one pole (thus why it's called "single pole"). As you said, it's single "throw" simply is to turn the circuit On (makes connection between it's two terminals), the other position is Off (or disconnected).

Your description of DPDT actually describes a SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw) switch. It has 3 terminals and can "throw" the middle (Common) terminal to either one of it's other terminals (so in either position, it completes a circuit).

A DPDT switch (Double pole, Double throw) is actually two SPDT switches in one unit operated by one control. It has six terminals and can operate two separate circuits.

There are many other variants in existence as well (DPST, 3PDT, SP4T, etc.) however they are less common.

Hope that clarifies.


Sorry (to the OP), somehow I missed your backup light wiring question, but yes, a SPDT switch will work for that just as JR mentioned (and is actually how I have all the lights set up on mine as well). The wire going out to your lights connects to the switch's "Common" terminal, Terminal "1" connects to battery voltage, terminal "2" to your backup lamp circuit. For this particular application you'll probably want to get a SPDT "Center-Off" switch so that you can shut the lights off completely if you need to.
You should also use a lighting relay so that you don't overload your backup lamp circuit with the additional lights.

 

[ebg18t]

Thanks guys. I am going to get the switches ordered this week. I am going to use the existing relays provided with the harness so that everything is safe. The explanation and diagram really helps!!

 

[Jr_Explorer]

^^
You almost have it...

As usual just enough knowledge to be dangerous! LOL! Thanks for correcting my "almost" info. :beer: