12V power source for driving lights?

[Credible]

I've mounted a pair of 5W LED driving lights. Now to supply power to them.

Ideally, I'd like to tap into a wire that is "downstream" of the ignition switch, so that I cannot possibly leave them turned on. (I have an on/off switch for them.)

Any clues where I can find such a wire?

Handy hint: when fitting driving lights, mount the passenger side one first. Otherwise, you might discover that the tow hook interferes with the spot where your light needs to go to match the driver's side one!

[Benckj]

I installed DRL on both my MR's tapping into the frunk fuse box acc circuit. Its not ideal as legally they need to turn off when headlights are ON. Going to mod this over x-mas.

[Redmist]

Fit a relay into the driving light circuit that has normally closed contacts for load. Then actuate the relay from the both the high and low beam feeds via diodes from each. That way when then the head lights are turned on the driving lights go out and there is no cross feeds between driving lights and high/low beam circuits.

[Benckj]

Good idea on diodes and cross feed. That was the part i was concerned bout.

[Credible]

Ok, I understand the objective. But to make this happen, I'll need some form of diagram.

My Vitz RS has round lights that can be used with or without the headlights on. Why is this allowed?

[Benckj]

TBH I'm not exactly sure about the legals surrounding DRL's. Whem I got my last WOF the mechanic said I could get pulled up by police at night if they saw the lights on along with headlamps. On cars which come with them from factory they turn off but this may be because of overseas road laws.

[born disturbed]

While DRLs are not legally able to be run with your main lamps at night Hella have just released a new relay which allows the use of these by dimming the DRL into a Front Position Marker Lamp.

When turned on by themselves they are at full brightness for day time running, but turn on your head lights & they dim to create a very nice marker, which in turn makes them twice as useful.

http://www.hella.co.nz/4-235/news/LED-Safety-DayLights" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;™-Front-Position-Relay

Maybe worth a look if you want to get the most from your nice new lamp setup

*** EDIT / UPDATE FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANYONE WANTING TO DO THIS ***

The link above has died but Hella's listing of this relay as of today 6 August 2016 is here:
https://www.hella.co.nz/en/products/rel ... oller.html

Dual Function Safety DayLights™ Controller - 12 Volt
PART NO: 9.5630.03

*** END OF EDIT - CHARLIE aka mickeyduck, site admin. ***

[Grrrrrrr!]

Technically the WOF inspector shouldn't have given you a WOF, but to be honest, I really dont think most cops would give it a second look unless they were already looking for a reason to give you a ticket/drama.

http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/v ... ning-lamps

[Credible]

Technically the WOF inspector shouldn't have given you a WOF, but to be honest, I really dont think most cops would give it a second look unless they were already looking for a reason to give you a ticket/drama.

http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/v ... ning-lamps

This helps to clarify things. This is why Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are ok on my Vitz:

A vehicle originally manufactured with a daytime running lamp arrangement that differs from what is required or permitted in this section may retain the original daytime running lamps provided they remain fitted in their original position and perform as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.

And this is why I need the smart bit of wiring:

A car will fail a WoF if... A daytime running lamp continues to operate when the headlamps or fog lamps are switched on.

(I haven't been for a WoF since fitting the lights. They are not powered yet, anyway.)

[Credible]

Fit a relay into the driving light circuit that has normally closed contacts for load. Then actuate the relay from the both the high and low beam feeds via diodes from each. That way when then the head lights are turned on the driving lights go out and there is no cross feeds between driving lights and high/low beam circuits.

Would some kind person who understands this please explain it a little more verbosely as to how you actually accomplish this in practice?

[Ken & Barbie]

I have wired my Hella DRLs using the existing driving light wiring/switch.Wiring connection was waiting at each park/flasher
lamp at front.DRLs will only work when parklamps are turned on,but buzzer reminds to turn lights off when key turned off.
Done both cars this way,will stay on when headlights are switched on,but can be turned off with driving/fog switch.
Have been thru VTNZ many times with both cars and had no comment!

Ken & Barbara Brown

[Credible]

Thanks to fevil for filling in the gaps in my rather limited understanding.

I used a normally-closed relay on the power feed to my LEDs. Then I tapped the headlight power wire (Red/White wire into headlight relay), fed it through a diode and fuse to the signal-side of my normally-closed relay, and the other side to earth.

It works precisely as it should. Confirmation soon as it's due for a WoF shortly.

Thanks, people.

[mickeyduck]

Can I have a look some time David? I have exactly the same problem. I'd like to take some photos of your setup if possible to help clarify exactly what's what and how to do this if that's ok with you mate?

[Credible]

Can I have a look some time David? I have exactly the same problem. I'd like to take some photos of your setup if possible to help clarify exactly what's what and how to do this if that's ok with you mate?

Sure. I'll also try to draw up my wiring diagram and post it here, too. (Actually, it's my interpretation of John's explanation of how to do it.)

[Benckj]

That would be good to see as I need to rewire and replace mine sometime soon. They supplied blue lights instaed of white but sent me another set. The ones on my GT are much whiter & brighter.