How to Wire a 12 Volt Rocker Switch

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  • Опубліковано 2 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 97

  • @davidjolly5218
    @davidjolly5218 Рік тому +104

    Just a note, the ground is only needed to power the switch's light if your switch has a light in it. Typical SPST switches are just two wires.

    • @ibrahimkadiku5443
      @ibrahimkadiku5443 Рік тому +2

      So the ground wire is also the bare wire?

    • @the_OCD_Garage
      @the_OCD_Garage Рік тому +12

      @@ibrahimkadiku5443 let’s just call it as should be called “negative “ and stop this naked wire ground wire redneck BS.

    • @brizzle8797
      @brizzle8797 Рік тому

      ​@_kademan_v6086
      I wonder if they're thinking about romex you know how it has the bare groundwire.

    • @invictusbp1prop143
      @invictusbp1prop143 Рік тому +3

      There’s no bare ground wire on automotive switches or lights or anything else. And it’s not a negative. You can run an automotive ground to the negative terminal, but you can also run it to bare metal to ground it. Why would You run a wire all the way to the battery from lights at the back of the vehicle when you can run it to a chassis ground way back there by the lights..,?

    • @damon323
      @damon323 Рік тому

      This is 12V DC…wow man😂

  • @Wheelingoffthewrench
    @Wheelingoffthewrench Рік тому +35

    Depending on what the switch is for. If the accessories draw more than 10 amp consider using the switch to charge a relay and run the full load through the contact that is rated for what you’re trying to power Most switches only carry a rating of 15amp

    • @asaleemeadows
      @asaleemeadows Рік тому +3

      +1 for the relay. Why risk having a hot wire going all through the cab. With the JL's having the aux switches prewired and things like Spods or other devices, why go this route.

    • @orcoastgreenman
      @orcoastgreenman Рік тому

      Great advice! As to why... the higher the amperage, or the closer to the 15 amp current limit of a 15 amp switch, it is switching directly, the shorter the life of the switch contacts will be. Switching just a relay, the plastic of the switch body will probably fail before the electrical contacts inside do.

  • @znovosad555
    @znovosad555 2 місяці тому

    Great simple video. I always follow the old rule to make a diagram of everything to the basic level so you know whats going where, and how as well. Relay combination fuse boxes are great if youre planning on multiple accessories/sets of lights instead of individual relays and fuses. Keeps it much simpler and cleaner.

  • @devinstratton5929
    @devinstratton5929 Рік тому +7

    Also, the fuse is not for the accessory. It’s for the wire. Rate the fuse for the wire, and rate the wire for the accessory. This will prevent some unexpected glowing wires!

  • @LegendOfKarogane
    @LegendOfKarogane Рік тому +4

    I can’t believe you just taught me something I already know but the way you explained it was so beautiful it’s like learned it for the first time like ooooh 😯that make sense 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @jacobm9263
    @jacobm9263 Рік тому +1

    I'm gonna need this in a little bit, thanks

  • @beakfish7319
    @beakfish7319 Рік тому

    im just learning this stuff, and videos like this are very helpful! thank you!

  • @99shadows66
    @99shadows66 Рік тому +2

    If the switch doesn't come with wires already on it then look at the color of the terminals on the switch. The gold terminal is for the ground, and the two silver terminals are for the powered wires.

  • @I8ITSK8N
    @I8ITSK8N Рік тому +1

    I’m doing this today! lol I bought an old cop car and it has lights in it that are not wired to a switch. I have the switches and now I know how to hook it up thanks!

  • @bradbeck2601
    @bradbeck2601 Рік тому +4

    Small correction. Fuses typically protect your wires, not your devices. The fuse is only there to make sure your wire doesn't turn itself into a resistive heater.

    • @davidjolly5218
      @davidjolly5218 Рік тому

      I would argue that fuses are used to protect either the wires or the device depending on which is the bottleneck. Or maybe double fused, one to protect the wire and one to protect the device if the wires are oversized for the device you're running.

    • @bradbeck2601
      @bradbeck2601 Рік тому +1

      @@davidjolly5218 your wire is never the bottleneck unless you're actively trying to burn your car or house to the ground 😅. 10amp bulb with a 5 amp rated wire = 🔥. The wire and fuse don't determine the amps to the device, the device determines the amps running through the wire and fuse.

    • @davidjolly5218
      @davidjolly5218 Рік тому

      Right, you couldn't run a 10A device with a wire rated at 5A. I'm saying that if you oversized your wires, let's say a wire that can safely provide 10A paired with a device that will only use 5A, then a fire could break out within the device if there's a short in it if you fused it with a 10A fuse. Right?

  • @llewellyn56
    @llewellyn56 Рік тому

    Great video. Been doing this since early 80’s. Love making projects. Ammo cans radios.

  • @KsvTech
    @KsvTech Рік тому

    can we use same fuse for car subwoofer

  • @schrodingerscat4737
    @schrodingerscat4737 Рік тому +2

    You should redo this video using a relay and fusible link. Relays can handle more draw, and we always need a fuse. Good video none the less.

  • @roncrate6424
    @roncrate6424 Рік тому

    Thirsty for knowledge here. Thank you.

  • @andyneipert2527
    @andyneipert2527 Рік тому +1

    Wair did you get your leds light from?

  • @oldirtytrezzo2981
    @oldirtytrezzo2981 11 місяців тому

    Would I bought a accessory with that prewired but I have a switch pod?

  • @Itemsforsaleontario
    @Itemsforsaleontario Рік тому

    Hey
    Just curious. If I want to do 4 sets of lights in a cabin fed by 12v through an inverter (solar) how do I add switches

  • @donking3578
    @donking3578 Рік тому

    can i ground rocker and led to two different chassis grounds?

  • @ashoksinghnegi5415
    @ashoksinghnegi5415 3 місяці тому

    Hello there, Iam having a halogen head light of 12v 55w h3 which I want to contact directly to the battery, how much fuse and gauge of the wire Iam suppose to use, thanks ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @davidsutherland4367
    @davidsutherland4367 Рік тому

    I've got a question I have a two-wire rocker switch for my boat with two rocker switches they're all pigtail together how do I hook that up I'm confused

  • @brodyrichard263
    @brodyrichard263 6 місяців тому

    What about a two prong switch on a motorcycle audio amp. Also the switch dosent Spotify the voltage it’s for?

  • @Bok2022st
    @Bok2022st Місяць тому

    What do you do if your switch only as two wires and the light that you want to put on your motorbike only also only S2 wires

  • @martinpcn6750
    @martinpcn6750 Рік тому

    You can connect + battery to yellow and have lighting switch all the time.

  • @2AToday
    @2AToday Рік тому +6

    Butt connectors are not the best way to go. If not using solder + heat shrink tubing, then it would be best to use automotive crimp caps (NOT wire nuts like for wiring a building) + zip ties to prevent the wires from pulling out if ever stressed.
    Source: full time custom automotive technician for years before the pandemic.

    • @timothy098-b4f
      @timothy098-b4f Рік тому +4

      Those butt connectors have solder in them. I started using them a few months ago and they’re fantastic. Strip and insert the wires all the way to the solder plug, then hit it with a flame or better yet a rework heater. The solder melts and the tubing shrinks, so the connection is strong and watertight with a built in strain relief.

    • @2AToday
      @2AToday Рік тому +1

      @@timothy098-b4fsolid info, those sound like a great product! I wish I’d had them a few years ago haha

    • @brizzle8797
      @brizzle8797 Рік тому +1

      I was going to add though that there is an ultimate best way to do something like a professional does it but what do we think about an amateur doing something? would you trust an amateur to get a perfectly penetrated solder joint or would you think it would be easier for them to get a solid connection out of a crimp splice?
      Besides commercial DC installations use crimp connections and never solder.

    • @Mr.Thermistor7228
      @Mr.Thermistor7228 Рік тому

      ​@@brizzle8797 yes those buttconnectors that have solder built into them in the middle are literally made for ametuers. All you have to do is make sure both the wires meet in the middle and then have your heat source melt the solder and your good to go it's pretty much fail safe

    • @Mr.Thermistor7228
      @Mr.Thermistor7228 Рік тому +1

      ​@@2AToday I just got a huge assortment of them on Amazon for like 25 bucks. I have sizes from like 4 gauge to 26 gauge and they are amazing I use them all the time with zero failures

  • @elephantrockfarm1447
    @elephantrockfarm1447 Рік тому +1

    The hard part is using it in a 72 volt system cus the led will in the switch will fry needs its own low voltage supply. I burnt a few of those up.

  • @remyfeldman5918
    @remyfeldman5918 Рік тому +1

    What wire strippers are those?

    • @xravenhairsexgod
      @xravenhairsexgod Рік тому +1

      Klein Tools
      8-1/4 in. Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper and Cutter for 10-20 AWG, 12-22 AWG, 12/2 and 14/2 Romex Wire

  • @bricelettkeman1408
    @bricelettkeman1408 Місяць тому

    What if I only want to switch to have access to power when the ignition is on? I don’t want to accidentally leave an accessory on and kill my battery when I’m out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks

  • @airgliderz
    @airgliderz Рік тому +1

    Lot easier without a vehicle to properly install, secure, weatherproof and wire.

  • @silvercommander
    @silvercommander 3 місяці тому

    Thank you

  • @TOLDyouSOagain
    @TOLDyouSOagain Рік тому

    I dont run loads through a switch. Instead use the switch to turn a relay on and off, let the relay carry the load. However that switch could power that one led, i would switch ground instead of power with it

  • @FF7623
    @FF7623 Рік тому +3

    Problems with this video 1 don't use pig tails on your switches the more breaks you put in the line the more resistance you build up along the way ( resistance creates heat) 2 use connectors that are the right size for your wire these are to big as you can see by the shrink not shrinking all the way down onto the wire 3 always build your systems to with stand 20% more amps than it will actually draw and 4 for the love of God if your using rocker switches of any kind please use them to activate a relay that then powers your aux equipment rather than relying on the switch to carry the load ( most common failure point that starts fires is a worn switch that used to carry say 10 amps and is now only partially making contact meaning its amp rating has gone down plus its is now creating much more resistance than it was which creates heat and starts fires)

  • @MykeHunts
    @MykeHunts Рік тому

    Personally I prefer to use the switch to power on a relay. Less load going through the switch. Just a 12v signal.

  • @userunknownanonuser
    @userunknownanonuser 11 місяців тому

    Can you wire 2 lights to the same switch? If so please tell me.

  • @nicholasmanson8615
    @nicholasmanson8615 7 місяців тому

    My eyes were blurry from just waking up and I thought your hands were dog paws and I was like excuse me

  • @ammardelreal3802
    @ammardelreal3802 Рік тому

    i’ve actually wanted to use a switch like this to turn on my backup camera

  • @81396xman
    @81396xman Рік тому

    Holy shit I just was working on a heater that had one of these go out.

  • @wilurbean
    @wilurbean Рік тому +1

    Should've talked about how the yellow is used as a relay trigger

    • @brizzle8797
      @brizzle8797 Рік тому

      Well that's only if you're going to use a relay.

    • @wilurbean
      @wilurbean Рік тому

      @@brizzle8797 almost all automotive applications are going to use a big relay for lights, pumps, or power

    • @brizzle8797
      @brizzle8797 Рік тому

      @@wilurbean
      Yes those larger items will definitely require a relay. I guess maybe what you meant is that he could have mentioned that if you planned to use a relay then the yellow wire would be the one that powers the coil of your relay.
      But for his video it was just an LED light and the purpose of the video was how to wire a switch not all the things that you can connect to a switch so yes there could have been more but really the video was quite accurate you know.
      Also once you start getting into explaining all of the things that are downstream of the switch you have to mention to use the appropriate gauge of wire and all of this other stuff that would likely be a different video I would think.

  • @chillis28
    @chillis28 Рік тому +1

    👍👍

  • @davidpatrick1813
    @davidpatrick1813 Рік тому

    Battleborn Battery 😄

  • @ComputerGuyAndy
    @ComputerGuyAndy Рік тому

    You mentioned which is power in but you aren't explaining the lighted switch and what you're doing to power that. It's what the 3rd wire is for.

  • @christopherpaige406
    @christopherpaige406 Рік тому

    Need O'Keeffe's

  • @dontcallmemarty2177
    @dontcallmemarty2177 Рік тому +1

    Even though I can’t see you I know your moving your hands a lot while your narrating this .

  • @alexpalsater7983
    @alexpalsater7983 3 місяці тому

    Why do people keep saying "ground" when they're referring to the negative, or in DC even -... (minus). Ground is something else.

  • @dannycoots9503
    @dannycoots9503 Рік тому

    👍

  • @milescarter7803
    @milescarter7803 Рік тому

    No, cause it has a picture on the side that shows how to wire it.

  • @Fidel55
    @Fidel55 Рік тому

    my switch only has a red and black wire

  • @fawlesssmartspiderman2437
    @fawlesssmartspiderman2437 Рік тому

    Like a kill switch in a car diy

  • @BlackEpyon
    @BlackEpyon Рік тому

    "comes with wires on the back"
    clearly shows spade connectors pre-installed.

  • @carter4627
    @carter4627 Рік тому

    Some "good" wire connectors. Haha, prolly 2 cents a pop and using yellow crimp connectors which don't seal enough. But it's a rookie way of doing it, so I'll let it pass🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

  • @mckreations5160
    @mckreations5160 Рік тому

    Why the hell are you using 10-12ga butt connectors for what looks likely 16ga wire. I mean you dont make it actually seem like you know what you are doing properly if you cant even use correct crimp terminals...

  • @seanware719
    @seanware719 Рік тому

    Brad you need some lotions on those hands bro!!

  • @HH-zg8zm
    @HH-zg8zm Рік тому

    Should have used green for ground. Blk red hot in out green always ground it saves mistakes from happening later. If your going to show it do it right. Colors that get mixed up can cause fires later. Be safe bro.

    • @RobC1999
      @RobC1999 Рік тому

      This is DC. Black wire is the standard for negative. It’s commonly called ground, but isn’t earth ground used in AC and can use a green or bare wire. Don’t use green (or green yellow) wire unless it’s earth grounded.
      Some DC systems use positive as common and some use negative as common.

  • @pokefan5022
    @pokefan5022 Рік тому

    Who ever designed that hates you. Black wire is ground? Black always = hot.

    • @PPNStudio
      @PPNStudio Рік тому +1

      Not in Low Voltage and/or automotive uses. Red = hot or positive, Black = ground or negative, and yellow, in this case, = load

  • @matthewholzinger1042
    @matthewholzinger1042 Рік тому +2

    This really doesn't give you any important information. Very few switches come with colored pigtails. You have to look at the markings on the back of the switch.

  • @pavletrnic1433
    @pavletrnic1433 Рік тому

    “Use good wire connectors”
    *uses bad connectors*

  • @arjankraaijeveld9587
    @arjankraaijeveld9587 Рік тому

    Wouldn't it be easier and SAFER to just use the connectors on the switch instead of stripping and clamping the wires?

    • @brizzle8797
      @brizzle8797 Рік тому

      This is my opinion but I think he used them just so that he could easily illustrate which wire was doing which because if he put spade connectors on the wires to the LED all of the terminals on the switch would look exactly the same unless you read the tiny little print on the switch so it was probably a lot easier to illustrate the process using those colored wires.

  • @tomcole4736
    @tomcole4736 Рік тому

    Did not see or hear you talk about crimping the weatherproof butt splices and you did not specify that this is a 12v dc application

  • @paulrattray8121
    @paulrattray8121 Рік тому +2

    Oh save me! Wiring a f'in switch needs a f'in video nowadays?!

  • @peteolson3848
    @peteolson3848 8 місяців тому

    Way too fast. I had to watch it 10 times

  • @BentonL
    @BentonL Рік тому

    Failed. You over complicated to satisfy the armchair experts, and left out one important detail that explains the light.

  • @richardweinberger2756
    @richardweinberger2756 Рік тому

    Can you please speak slower?
    Too complicated for me.

  • @brandonmahan7306
    @brandonmahan7306 Рік тому

    Black is ground and yellow is hot?? Wtf?

    • @RobC1999
      @RobC1999 Рік тому

      Or think of yellow as the load wire. The red and black are powering the switch light. The switch will pass power from red to the yellow load wire when on.

  • @scootermcgee3451
    @scootermcgee3451 Рік тому

    Might need a relay if you’re running LED’s too!

  • @Spankytrucker69
    @Spankytrucker69 Рік тому +1

    When did we stop using relays.

    • @TrailRecon
      @TrailRecon  Рік тому +4

      Relays are great if you are pulling more than 10 amps, these lights don't pull much and the rocker can handle it.

  • @cm0cm
    @cm0cm Рік тому

    You had a simple video to make, yet you couldnt even elaborate on the ground being for the lighted switch feature?

  • @rickblue7002
    @rickblue7002 Рік тому

    Is he color blind cuz the green wire doesn't look yellow