12v powersource help....

[marsh0787]

I got some lights that require a 12v powersource so I figure I cant just tap in directly to the battery like I had originally planned. I couldn't find on the site where exactly people had tapped in to get thier power... Just to be clear I want the lights to be able to be on regardless of wether the key is on or not... Can anyone help me or show me a picture?

 

[Dennis in NH]

I've done this on another bike. The lights came with wire that goes to the battery -- the wire to the positive terminal is fused (highly recommended). I just connected direct to the battery and then direct to a ground terminal (you could probably use the negative terminal on the battery too).

I added a switch so that I could turn the lights on/off at will (with key in on or off position). Some people will recommend a relay (tapped off a low-power switched source like license plate light) so that the lights won't drain your battery if accidentally left on.

Dennis

 

[marsh0787]

Thank you Dennis, that clears up my concerns and simplifies my life :thumbup:

 

[SANGER_A2]

I've done this on another bike. The lights came with wire that goes to the battery -- the wire to the positive terminal is fused (highly recommended). I just connected direct to the battery and then direct to a ground terminal (you could probably use the negative terminal on the battery too).

I added a switch so that I could turn the lights on/off at will (with key in on or off position). Some people will recommend a relay (tapped off a low-power switched source like license plate light) so that the lights won't drain your battery if accidentally left on.

Dennis

+1,000,000 on the fuse on the wire near the battery.