wiring up rear work light

Will,

The work light I have got is on a spring tension bracket bolted to the roof rack. Didn't weld the bracket because of vibration and could crack.

Most work lights are only 55w so a relay is not a bad idea. Wire the relay from the second battery with a switch on the dash. Most work lights have a switch in the back of the case which someone else could turn on and with out you knowing and next thing you have a flat battery. I by-passed the switch in the case all together and turn the light off and on from the dash,this means that you can turn it on as a reversing light.

Ran the cable from the relay up inside the snorkel and out through the back of the snorkel head. From there along the legs of the roof rack to the light.

Work really well and is very handy

WayneAlways Out'N About

Hi Will.

I agree a relay is a must, and don't forget a fuse. Now to tell you how I wired mine up, and it works well.

I triggered the relay by tapping into the reversing light, that way when I reverse, I got extra light.

Next step: I spliced a one one diode (bought from Dick Smith for a couple of bucks) between the work light and where I spliced into the reversing light harness. I then ran a Hot wire via a switch from inside the vehicle and tapped into my harness between the Diode and the relay (another way to activate the relay).

So what have I now. When I reverse, I get the Work light to give me extra lighting. And when I activate the interior switch to the work light, I get the work light to come on, but the reversing lights do not come on, (as they are blocked by the diode).

I find that over the years, I have got more use out of the extra lighting for reversing then a did as a work light.

Just another suggestion.

Regards

I've got 2 smaller (golf-ball size) lights on the back of my ARB roof rack. I also wired them to reverse light, but no diode necessary. Instead, I simply use a single pole/double throw switch (which also has a green flashing LED beside it to warn me it's on). In one position the lights come on when I go into reverse. When I flick the switch down, the lights come on too. Green flashing LED comes on either way.
Cheers,
Roachie

Is illegal to have such a light able to be switched on when not in reverse gear,, just imagine your cruising down the h/way and all of a sudden a 55/100 watter is switched onto you from the vehicle in front,,,, have mine wired straight to reversing light,, helps heaps at reversing and its no big deal to leave vehicle in reverse and ignition on acc when light needed when setting camp ect.,,,,,,,,,check the ADR ,, not only massive fines involved but how would you feel if your vehicle was at fault causing the previous scenario.??

Will,

By law you need to operate the light from the light. To avoid other people turning it on you also have an in line switch inside the vehicle.

You pull up at night, flick the inside switch to "on" go around the back and turn the light on at the light.

Finished with the light, turn off at the light, turn off inside the vehicle.

Have a beer.

Mal T.

ok fellas thanks for the reponses. from reading above what i want to do is have the light wired into the reversing lights, plus have a switch on the light (but will only come on if car in reverse. can somebody explain how to wire that up in plain english. i am competent at wiring, soldering but need someone to explain the use of the switch, relay etc first.
Thanks!
Will.

Consider that for roadworth requirements the lamp may have to come on when in REVERSE.

Probbaly get away with in most states that dont have an annual inspection, or unless you flash the boys in blue behind you.