Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2006 06:35:32 EDT
Reply-To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Headlamp Relays; Fuse the Relay Control Circuit?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
In a message dated 04/08/2006 3:24:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
I have two questions for the group regarding the use
of relays to power the headlamps. As I understand it,
the benefit of using relays is a more direct circuit
path from the fuse box (or other power source) to the
headlamps via the relay power circuit, and in the
process removing from the circuit path the current
flowing through the dashboard light switch and
headlamp dimmer switch. Current would still flow
through these switches, of course, but it is much
lower amperage used only to operate the relay control
circuit, which switches the power circuit on and off.
Based on a review of the archives, it sounds as if
this is a common installation method.
But in looking at the wiring diagram for my 90 syncro
westy, it looks as if, by using relays in this way,
the current to the relay control circuit becomes
un-fused. The existing fuses remain within the
headlamp circuit paths -- whose current would be
provided by the relay power circuit -- and nothing
downstream would need to change except maybe a better
ground. But, the relay control circuit would get its
current via the headlamp switch, thus making its
current path separate from the downstream headlamp
fuses.
So, questions for the group:
- Am I reading the diagram correctly, that
installation of relays as described here makes the
relay control circuit un-fused?
- If yes, thoughts on whether a fuse is needed within
the relay control circuit path, or other ideas on
relay installation?
I just don’t want to fry anything while driving down a
logging road, at night, in the north woods, miles from
anyone, tired, hungry, etc. Thanks.
Kevin, see my _Vanagon Headlamp Relay Upgrade_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hdltrela.htm) webpage and read the installation instructions and you will
find the headlamps are still fused as they were originally.
Cheers,
Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg (Forsale) & Lionel Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm) a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10, 2007
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