Switch problem

[Subdued]

hey guys,
ive just spent the last couple of days trying to re-install some neons in my car underneath the seats. They were connected by using the cigarette lighter, going to a very basic 2 terminal switch, and worked fine. But now as i have pulled the wiring out, and actually tried to hide the wiring, just to make it look better, when the switch is in the on position when i reconnect the battery, they work fine. but then when i try to turn it off... BAM! blown fuse. Ive tried wiring it up differently, and the same way as i had it before i tried to re-wire, but everytime i blow a fuse. When i hooked the neons straight up to the ciggie lighter, they worked fine, but as soon as i add a switch into the equation.. BAM! gone..

so what the hell is going on? could it just be as simple as the switch being stuffed, or my wiring is not quite up to scratch anymore.. any ideas?

[diver9000]

Originally Posted by Subdued

hey guys,
ive just spent the last couple of days trying to re-install some neons in my car underneath the seats. They were connected by using the cigarette lighter, going to a very basic 2 terminal switch, and worked fine. But now as i have pulled the wiring out, and actually tried to hide the wiring, just to make it look better, when the switch is in the on position when i reconnect the battery, they work fine. but then when i try to turn it off... BAM! blown fuse. Ive tried wiring it up differently, and the same way as i had it before i tried to re-wire, but everytime i blow a fuse. When i hooked the neons straight up to the ciggie lighter, they worked fine, but as soon as i add a switch into the equation.. BAM! gone..

so what the hell is going on? could it just be as simple as the switch being stuffed, or my wiring is not quite up to scratch anymore.. any ideas?

Make sure the switch will hold the amps necessary for the lights. If you have a 10 amp switch and your lights are pulling 15-20 amps. Its going to blow the fuse everytime. There are a number of threads in here that talk about wiring. Research buddy.

[Subdued]

never even thought about that.. cheers dude.. i guess i will find out 2moro

[ghost_ryder35]

switch might not be able to handle all that it is trying to power. try running all the wire together before it gets to the switch, otherwise you could add some relays

[diver9000]

Originally Posted by ghost_ryder35

switch might not be able to handle all that it is trying to power. try running all the wire together before it gets to the switch, otherwise you could add some relays

Be super careful if you run them all together. Thats a good way to melt something real fast!

[ghost_ryder35]

:d

[Subdued]

didnt get time to hook everything back up again today, but i had a look at the switch, and its a 20 amp switch.. so i think i need to look at the wiring again.. i think im dodging it up a little. lol.

[aussie_gen1]

Do you have a multimeter?
Check the switch is not short circuiting the battery side when in the 'OFF' position.
Lucky you've got a fuse, eh?