Wiring Help Needed

[Fonz54]

Agree - I would just use one relay for SW1 to lights 1 & 6 and one relay for SW6 to lights 2-4. As @Laminar stated simple = reliable. You could do what you want interconnecting switches and relays but it is a hell of alot easier to just throw two switches when you want all six lights on at the same time.

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[Jdyount]

Hey everyone, I’m installing my @ZROADZOFFICIAL Bull Bar LEDs and wanted to wire them up in a way that 1 Aux switch will turn all 6 LED pods on at once and another switch would just turn on 2 of them.

For reference, this is what the Bull Bar set up looks like



I came up with a wiring diagram that ties the middle 4 lights together and the outer 2.


My goal is for Aux 4 to only turn on 2 lights and Aux 1 to turn on all 6, but if I put a jumper between the 2 circuits, both switches would just turn on all 6.

Is there a way to have a 1-way power connection between the 2 circuits? Similar to a backflow valve in your house? Does that exist in wiring? It would enable Aux 1 to power both circuits, Aux 4 would still only power the 2 outer lights. Or is there another way to think about this? I don’t want to have to flip both switches to turn on all the lights and I want the flexibility to only turn a couple on if needed.

Yes, a Diode. Only lets power run 1 direction. Just connect lights 1 and 6 to Aux 4 AND to Aux 1 using a diode (in the correct direction).

It will do exactly what you want.

A lot less messy than a relay.

One like this:
MCIGICM 20Pcs 15SQ045 Schottky,15amp Diode Axial Schottky Blocking Diodes: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Just solder it inline to the jumper wire and heat shrink it. Make sure you mark the ends before you heat shrink, the silver ring on the diode goes away from Aux 1.

Looks like this:

 

[Fonz54]

The diode is a great idea for isolating the two circuits. Not sure if Ford has the Aux switches connected to relays in the power distribution box. Relays should always be used to separate low current voltage for switches in the cab from high current draw for the load side of the circuit. So in your diagram you would use two SPST relays, one for each circuit. Also, both the swithc side and the laod side should be fused for the appropriate amperage values. Sorry if I am stating the obvious. Just call me Captain Obvious .

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