how to wire a foot operated dimmer switch?

EricNCSU1204 · 08-01-2013, 08:15 PM

so since our DS has a hole in the floor for a dimmer switch or horn, I decided to spend the $7 and get a dimmer switch since our lights have high and low beams. I have an "empty" spade connector coming off each headlight (pictured) and then the dimmer switch is also pictured with the 3 blades to connect the wires to.

My question is how do I wire this.. of course the dimmer switch came with no instructions b/c normally for a car it has a harness that plugs into it.

gornoman · 08-01-2013, 08:58 PM

First, you need to understand how the switch works. It's not a dimmer at all. It is simply a two circuit switch. There is an incoming HOT lead, and two outgoing HOT leads, one to feed each element in your headlights. A few minutes with a DVM will lead you to figure out what the three terminals do, after that it should be easy to do the wiring. My guess is the single terminal is the incoming hot.

Swan · 08-02-2013, 07:40 AM

at one time I had my ds headlights wired though one . seeing that my lights were single filament I had it ran 8 volts (one battery ) or 16 volts (2 battery) to give me a high and low headlight. no long use it this way for I have aux 12 battery and don't want anything pulling off my main pack .

anix · 08-02-2013, 09:52 AM

Gorn is right on the money. It is nothing more than a high amp two way switch. One hot in and one or the other out. Having said that, if it were me I would get a 30amp or higher three position three terminal toggle switch and mount it on the dash. Up for high and down for low.

08-01-2013, 08:58 PM	#2
gornoman Stay thirsty my friends! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 24,284	Re: how to wire a foot operated dimmer switch? First, you need to understand how the switch works. It's not a dimmer at all. It is simply a two circuit switch. There is an incoming HOT lead, and two outgoing HOT leads, one to feed each element in your headlights. A few minutes with a DVM will lead you to figure out what the three terminals do, after that it should be easy to do the wiring. My guess is the single terminal is the incoming hot.

08-02-2013, 07:40 AM	#3
Swan Cave Dweller Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Always On The Move Posts: 22,216	Re: how to wire a foot operated dimmer switch? at one time I had my ds headlights wired though one . seeing that my lights were single filament I had it ran 8 volts (one battery ) or 16 volts (2 battery) to give me a high and low headlight. no long use it this way for I have aux 12 battery and don't want anything pulling off my main pack .

08-02-2013, 09:52 AM	#4
anix Getting Wild Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 148	Re: how to wire a foot operated dimmer switch? Gorn is right on the money. It is nothing more than a high amp two way switch. One hot in and one or the other out. Having said that, if it were me I would get a 30amp or higher three position three terminal toggle switch and mount it on the dash. Up for high and down for low.
anix Getting Wild Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 148

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
81 g1 foot stop switch	Gas Yamaha
CC headlight dimmer switch (floor)	Electric Club Car
Custom Anderson Car Hauler 22 foot by 8 foot wide Open Steel Deck. $4700.00	Autos/Side x Sides/ATVs/4x4's
2000 EzGo foot Pedal Micro Switch	Electric EZGO
Just got a G9 need to know how to wire ignition switch to push pull switch ASAP!	Gas Yamaha

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum