OT Lights on snow plow truck

S2710 · Dec 1, 2008

on a snow plow truck we have a lot of extra lights and we run power off the Ign. switch and the switch gets warm and they fail quite often. I was wondering could a person use a solenoid to get power to the lights or should a person use a relay for each light. Thanks Bob

davediehl@hotmail.com · Dec 1, 2008

I wouldn't put a relay on each light. One relay can run nealy 30 amps of energy. Most offroad lights will consume 5 to 10 amps each. I would wire the solenoid for all and hope my alternator doesn't give out first.

Janicholson · Dec 1, 2008

Another option is to wire a 50 amp fuse link into a tap from the battery, then go to 3 or so heavy switches for controling the light circuits. Relays are a good solution, but nore complex. I like simple, and you would need to tap the battery to power the input to the relays. JimN

Bob M · Dec 1, 2008

Bob - I'd be hesitant to use a single solenoid. The typical auto solenoid is intended for brief, intermittent duty - eg. starter, plow lift pump, etc. Energizing a solenoid continuously can overheat/burn it out in short order.

Instead use a 12 volt relay. Your typical automotive duty relay is good for switching 20 - 30 amps or so - good for at least 4 headlights or tractor floods.

Got more than 4 lights? Use an additional relay to feed each group of 4.

Germ · Dec 1, 2008

I do the same as Bob M.

thurlow · Dec 1, 2008

I'd agree about using a relay, but..........continuous-duty solenoids can be had; some farm equipment (combines with electric clutches, for one) uses them.

MF294-4 · Dec 1, 2008

We have some 75amp pull switches but I would rather use a relay. You can get those square cube relays with plugs pretty cheap. I think they are rated 30 amps. You can get some continuous duty selonids also. A lot easier to get small control wires thru the firewall.

RayP(MI) · Dec 2, 2008

Used to repair electronics on ambulances. with their many lights, they used to go thru switches, etc real fast. Found a relay designed for continuous duty that worked pretty well. Forget the ratings, but auto parts store sold them for running electric/hydraulic pumps on garbage trucks! Could be used for lights on snowplows, just keep within the ratings.

Jim in Ma. · Dec 2, 2008

I agree with all of the below BUT in today's world most plow trucks here in the north east run LED lites and high intensity strobes. They do cost more but use less elect, and almost never burn out.
They used to add big alternators but on the new equipment that can be hard to do. Just my $.02

Kentb of SWMO · Dec 2, 2008

Use some of the relays that are all over the new cars. Without the socket they are almost cube shape. Most can handle 30 amp loads.

Kent

OT Lights on snow plow truck

S2710

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Janicholson

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Bob M

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Germ

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thurlow

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MF294-4

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RayP(MI)

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Jim in Ma.

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Kentb of SWMO

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