I want to install some aftermarket fog lights on my pickup. They will be activated by an aftermarket switch as well so they will not come on with the parking or headlights. Is it necessary to use a relay in this situation since the lights will be on their own dedicated circuit?

 

I would strongly recommend using a relay. Most switches are not designed to handle the current the lights will draw.

 

Ok, I will look into that. I just wanted to keep it as simple as possible.

 

You definitely want to use a relay!

 

Ok, I am planning on using an aftermarket switch that can handle 20 amps and the lights I want to install will be 55 watts. I will also be changing my dented up bumper to a 4X4 so I can also put factory driving lights in it as well (I have an '02 XLT) and I will put those lights on a separate switch as well. I will have 3 switches, one for fog lights that will be mounted to the brush guard, one for the driving factory lights and one for some aux lights in the rear. None of the lights will be over 55 watts. Regardless of whether I use a relay or not I was just wondering if it would be safe (I will listen to all advice). Also was wondering a good place to get an auxiliary fuse/relay panel for all of these lights. I will probably need one for 4 circuits since I may put an air horn in the future.

 

just use a darn relay, Play it safe, I played this game till I realized: no relay = save 8$ and burned up truck or spend 8$ and have sexy lights and a sexy truck...

Itll only be safe if you do it properly

https://www.ranger-forums.com/showth...ht=roof+lights
didnt feel like typing info, just follow directions and itll work great

 

You people and your realys....
I've got 4, 130 W off road lights up top that go to four individual 10 amp toggle switches (in line fuses). NO RELAYS. i've left them on so long that its drained the battery without blowing any fuses or wires.
might as well throw in my picture.

 

so what were suggesting here is either be safe, spend 8 dollars and ensure that you will have little to no problems, or tip toe the line and increase chances of burning down your truck because you didnt spend 8 dollars...

 

The real reason I used a relay for mine was it saved the hassle of running 10AWG wire all the way from my battery, to the cabin, finding terminal ends that fit both the wire size and the switch, and then running the wire back to the lights. With a relay yeah you have to run 4 wires but none of them have to make this big loop that you have when you don't use a relay. A relay simplifies the wiring process allowing you to use a switch the size of a dime instead of something more like a small box mounted on your dash.