Smart relay switch

[mikkelstuff]

Seems to me there should be a smart relay switch to detect current flow in a primary circuit and then switch on an auxiliary circuit without having to cut into the primary circuit. Is such available for 12V Ranger applications?

 

[RonD]

??

Application?

For $12 this can all be yours: https://www.amazon.com/KKmoon-Current-Detection-Sensing-Detecting/dp/B01N0OKHFX

These are quite a bit more expensive, probably start at about $80, but they can be clamped on to an existing wire to detect increase in amps inside that wire: https://www.nktechnologies.com/current-sensing-switches/
These would also require a 2nd 12volt relay, for the device you want to come on when "other" device is activated


A 12v 40amp relay only draws .5amp(1/2 amp) when activated so can be added to any curcuit in a vehicle, so it is by far the most economical way to activate 2nd or 3rd devices when primary device is activated
But yes, you do have to cut a wire to get the activation signal

 

[mikkelstuff]

The ratings on the cheap KKmoon device are not great mainly because the directions for use are so bad. For the 12 bucks I'd try it BUT only if I could get some decent directions.

 

[Dirtman]

Not sure what your trying to accomplish, all rangers with a GEM or SJB have a battery saver relay/circuit that cuts power to all but the keep alive memory system and radio clock/presets after a time delay. What are you trying to keep active?

 

[ericbphoto]

Sometimes things are better when they are simple. Relays are simple.

Trying to inductively sense current in a dc circuit is not as simple.

 

[RonD]

The ratings on the cheap KKmoon device are not great mainly because the directions for use are so bad. For the 12 bucks I'd try it BUT only if I could get some decent directions.

Let us know what you want it to do?

 

[mikkelstuff]

I want to power a set of LED side marker lights that turn off and on with the fog lights but without having to cut the fog light wiring.

 

[ericbphoto]

Why not just come off the load side of the fog light relay?

A couple led side marker lights are not going to pull an appreciable current. They could easily be powered by the fog light circuit. Not sure why you don't want to splice into the fog light wiring. This should be a cheap, easy 1 hour project - wiring and installation. If I was doing it, I would tap into each fog light wire. Do a solder and heat shrink splice and run a few feet of 16ga or 18ga wire I've to each marker light.

 

[RonD]

Whats the amp draw of the markers?

I would just use a tap, a splicer, like those used to add trailer lights, seen here: https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/QUICK-SPLICE-CONN-18-14-AWG-PK100/p/GGE22EW62?analytics=RecommendationZones&cm_sp=IDP-_-CAV-_-TR-_-PR-_-PLA-NA-_-EN&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA

There is a 20amp fuse powering the fog lights, fuse 31 in engine fuse box
I doubt if the fog lights draw 10amps
So you could add 5amps of lights safely, no relay or other wiring needed, and no cutting wires


You would tap the tan/orange stripe wire at either fog light, or where ever convenient

 

[Dirtman]

I want to power a set of LED side marker lights that turn off and on with the fog lights but without having to cut the fog light wiring.