Do I need a relay?

[mikkeeh]

Am new to carts..and working on a Yamaha G22. Would like to add some basic (ie cheap) lights for the campground. I was thinking about a couple of LED headlights. The kits I have seen come with a wiring harness and a switch ...no relay. Is a relay necessary....or even a good idea? I have a 48-12 voltage reducer. Thx

[blake80]

A relay is not always necessary with led lights because they don't draw much amperage. And the cheap switches can handle it. With older style lights a relay is a good idea because they draw more amperage. I have personally seen switches smoke smoke because they can't handle the power (they were cheap switches ). I am currently rewiring my brothers workhorse with lights and gauges, i currently have 2 relays wired in, one for head lights and tail lights and one for reverse lights. The lights will get power from a fuse distribution block that is fed with 4ga power wire with a 50amp fuse at the battery.

[blake80]

Almost forgot, if you are going to run more than one set of lights from one switch then use a relay as it also keeps the clutter down at the switch.

[Andy4639]

The pupose of a relay is to take the load off the whole system. The switch only needs about 5-10 amps to make the circuit. The lights are whatever you hook up will need 20-50 amps. So you use the relay to carry the load and not have the whole system carry it.
Your lights will burn brighter and last longer also.