Installing a light bar on your vehicle can significantly improve visibility, especially during off-road adventures or in challenging weather conditions. A crucial component for any high-powered accessory like a light bar is a 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar. This diagram is essential for safely and efficiently powering your new lights, preventing damage to your vehicle's electrical system.
Understanding the 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar
A 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar is the blueprint for connecting your light bar to your vehicle's power source using a relay. A relay acts as an electrically operated switch. It uses a low-current circuit to control a high-current circuit, which is precisely what's needed for a power-hungry light bar. Without a relay, directly connecting a light bar to your existing vehicle wiring could overload the circuits, potentially blowing fuses, damaging wires, or even causing a fire. The 5 pins on the relay each have a specific function:
- Pin 30: Battery (+) power input.
- Pin 87: Light bar (+) power output.
- Pin 85: Ground (-) for the relay coil.
- Pin 86: Power (+) for the relay coil (usually from a switch).
- Pin 87a: Normally closed contact (not typically used for light bars).
The importance of using a 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar cannot be overstated as it ensures the longevity of both your light bar and your vehicle's electrical system. It allows a low-amperage switch to trigger a high-amperage circuit, keeping the sensitive components of your vehicle safe.
Here's a simplified look at the flow of power:
- The switch (controlled by you) receives power from a fused circuit, typically on pin 86 of the relay.
- When the switch is activated, it sends a small amount of current to the relay's coil (pin 86).
- This current energizes the coil, which pulls a metal armature, closing the connection between pin 30 (battery power) and pin 87 (output to the light bar).
- Now, a high-current path is established directly from the battery (through a fuse and a heavy-gauge wire connected to pin 30) to the light bar (connected to pin 87).
- When the switch is turned off, the relay coil de-energizes, and the connection between pin 30 and 87 breaks, cutting power to the light bar.
Many light bar kits will come with a basic wiring harness that includes a fuse, a relay, and a switch. Understanding the 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar helps you interpret these harnesses or even build your own if needed. Here's a table summarizing the key connections:
| Relay Pin | Connection | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Battery (+) (fused) | Main power input to relay |
| 87 | Light Bar (+) | Power output to light bar |
| 85 | Vehicle Ground (-) | Completes relay coil circuit |
| 86 | Switch (+) | Activates relay coil |
By following a proper 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar, you ensure that your light bar receives the appropriate power without compromising your vehicle's existing electrical infrastructure. This is essential for both safety and the reliable operation of your lighting system.
To correctly implement this wiring, refer to the specific 5 Pin Relay Wiring Diagram Light Bar that came with your light bar kit or consult a reputable automotive electrical guide.