Ignition switch relay
 

We are doing a full rewire on a v8 , and want to use the original column drop ignition switch and know these can be a little temperamental , would it be necessary to fit a hidden relay to take the load off this switch? Thanks .

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I used the original switch in my column drop. I did open it up and clean it up. But, I use it now to turn on a relay that Powers up my "run" portion of my fuse panel. Off of that panel are all my individual circuits for my guages, coil, fuel pump etchttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c98cd9622d.jpg

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Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I have never heard these switches were temperamental. If you are keeping the original wiring circuit and just going to 12 volts there shouldn't be a problem as a 12 volt system uses less current. What year is your car?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

The OEM column ignition switch only powered the gauges and coil so it didn't have much current flow through it. If a person is going to add more accessories to that circuit then a relay might be a good thought.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

NOS and NORS parts for these simple switches are usually available from Fred SSO, Faribualt MN, Nelson Pease, Palmer MA or Ray Helgers, Little Compton RI, among others. You may be wise to avoid new imposter stuff.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

Wired my 36 switch, using 47 wiring schematic to get rid of column bottom switch, in 12 volt with no issues.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I have one on my 40 convertible. The flip switch on the column powers a relay that feeds a fuse panel for the ignition,fuel pump & all the accessories like radio and heater.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

Yes , use a relay with the switch if you plan to rewire and add accessories .

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

Hyvolt, would you post a picture of your wiring panel.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I would suggest the relay be one of the "continuous use" variety such as those used in golf carts. Google continuous use high amp relay. http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/relays.asp is a good source with lots to chose from. dw

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

That was some real big relays...A normal car relay with dual points usually take 30amp splitting up into a couple of relays and fuses may be a better option since you can get a replacement relay in your local NAPA store...just my thinking.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

While Hyvolt is getting back to post, here is a picture of the one in my '38.

The section on the right is switched hot, while the left side is constant hot. The relay is mounted on the upper right, but is dark and hard to see. The panel is mounted high on the firewall under the dash and is hard to photograph. The relay and constant hot side is fed through the large yellow wires from the "BAT" post of the ignition switch. All I have connected to the constant hot is the interior light.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

This is a pic of my panel build before it was done. I can get you more picsand all the details if interested, but it's not the only way to do it. I used a panel from a 2000 Windstar. Contains 28 circuits and 6 relays. I work for the electric utility locally and live in a world of complicated wiring so it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Total size is less than 12 square, and I mounted it in the same location as the original.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...05d1922ec2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fc5c83d6f0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8406a6c89a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d6d8356247.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bc1623aadd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...83ffdbb7c2.jpg

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Re: Ignition switch relay
 

To add from my last post, my original coloumn switch activates relays in the panel, which energize a bank of fuses in the box. From those fuses I run a wire to the terminal strip. The terminal strip is where I land the wire to what ever I want to power off of that fuse.

I also have a self canceling turn signal switch that is done and functional. Have not made diagram or wiring print that is legible for anyone else yet, otherwise I'd share ithttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c7f9f5b3f2.jpg

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Re: Ignition switch relay
 

A 6v relay for a VW is a good reference. I can post the information if anyone needs it. One thing to be aware of is some relays contain a diode. If they are used with a positive ground system you have to match current flow (polarity).

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

"HyVolt" - Very impressive. More than I would need, but excellent work.

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I tend to get a little OCD on the wiring sometimes. Another option that I use are "Blue Sea Systems" fuse panels. Marine grade and lots of options. Prices are good also. And relays that are reliable with good prices pictured below. It doesn't cost much more to buy TE or Bosch brands. Stay away from the cheap stuff.

I also use DigiKey to buy my electric parts. Great prices and massive selection

The large relay is good for 75 amps. Small for 20/30https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7e9dc3bfaf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a76da834ed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f46197f02a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...529be8c515.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...01cb0d0ea8.jpg

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Re: Ignition switch relay
 

75 amps relay better pichttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6283c83663.jpg

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Re: Ignition switch relay
 

I'm a fan of "Digi-Key" as well. Being in north-central Minnesota in the summer, I get most of my components the next day, even with their "Economy Shipping".

Re: Ignition switch relay
 

This is what I use. Standard LR-32 relay. They are not cheap $30.00 to $40.00.

We had fleet vehicles that were melting the electrical plugs on the back of the factory headlight switches. Too much current was going through the switch because of all the additional lights the body builder installed. We modified the circuit so the current went through this relay instead of the switch. Its nice they have that built in fuse.