Thread: Reverse/Work Light Circuit

G'Day all

Just thought I'd draw up and share this with you. It's basically a circuit to control those rear mounted lights using three relays.

Two of the relays are switched automatically, by the existing tail light and reverse light circuits in the car, and the third is controlled by a switch.

I decided to use the two relays connected to the reverse and tail lights so the rear mounted lights will only come on when required at night and not every time you reverse. (also reducing the w****r factor @ the safeway carpark during the day) The headlights need to be on for the rear lights to work when reversing.

The switched relay offers an alternative (parallel) route for the power to get to the lights, for setting up camp/emergencies or other times they might be required. This switch should be mounted at the rear of the vehicle and out of reach of the driver when driving, for legal/safety reasons (so you can't get revenge on that idiot who won't dip his lights behind you ).

By including the fuses marked "7" on the diagram you have the option of removing one of them to disable the lights and this will make it easier to see when reversing at night with a caravan/trailer attached (and not reflecting all that light back to you) or blinding the driver of the other vehicle during a reverse recovery at night
(as if that ever happens ).

Another switch could be used instead of (or as well as) one of the fuses which would make it easier to disable when necessary. These fuses aren't really necessary for any other reason, because the circuit is protected by the existing fuses in the vehicle.

Power to the relay coils can be obtained from the trailer wiring if it includes reverse lights or just tap into the wiring near the rear light cluster for the reverse and tail light.

Power for the actual lights may be tapped into the cicuit for the fridge or aux trailer power if it's rated adequetly (and protected). In dual battery vehicles this will ensure the starting battery won't be drained when using the work lights. If you're not sure, just run new wires.

Hope you like it
Have fun
Stevo

Here's a circuit I whipped up a while ago.
It uses 2 relays, 4 diodes, and a 3 pos switch (Norm, Off, On)
In the Norm position, the lights operate when in Reverse with your lights on.
Fog Lights.bmp