Head light relay

F

fordy6

Member
Hello Ford Barn, 1946 Ford, I converted my 6 volt pos. ground to 12 volt neg. ground. Do I need a relay on my headlight switch to my foot switch?
Someone told me 12 volts directly to my headlight switch will be too hot!
Just looking for a second opinion.
Thanks, Mike Jackson
istrum4u@cox.net
 
It takes more amps to run 6 volt accessories than it takes to run 12 v, so your dimmer switch will be fine on 12 v.
 
What type of headlights are you running? I prefer to use relays whenever possible as it takes the AMP load off of the switch. The switch only takes the load to cause the relay to exercise, nothing more. If you're familiar with electrical systems, you can easily add these - though I always try to use an aftermarket panel (with fuses, headlight relays, horn relays, etc.).

Is the whole car already wired, or are you now heading down that path? If you're starting from scratch on the wiring, then now would be the time to ponder some of the above. If you're using stock wiring and already have a stock wiring harness, then it probably isn't worth it.

One thing that can come into play is whether or not you plan or have already added accessories that require new circuits, more fuses, more relays, etc..
 
12 volts to your headlight switch is not a problem.
The relay is there to reduce voltage drop, this is more important with 6volt. I wouldn't bother with the relay. You could either swap it out with a 12volt relay or bypass the relay you have in there. You need to change all of your lights, including headlights to 12 volts.
 
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