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Where to tap for switch illumination?

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Jojee117, Dec 5, 2021.

  1. Dec 5, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #1
    Jojee117

    Jojee117 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm getting some preliminary wiring done for putting a bunch of CH4x4 switches in my truck and was wondering where I should tap for the letter illumination. I was planning on being fancy and hooking them up to the dimmer, but I've read the LEDs don't dim nearly as much as the factory lights, and I'm not anal enough to put new lights in the switches. I figure there's probably a fuse location I can tap that will only turn on when the headlights come on, so the switches will look as oem as possible. I'm not opposed to using vampire clips on another circuit that comes on with the headlights, but I'd prefer an add-a-fuse. Where are you guys tapping for switch illumination?
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2021
  2. Dec 7, 2021 at 1:51 AM
    #2
    6 gearT444E

    6 gearT444E Certified Electron Pusher

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    Behind the AC controls is the easiest
     
  3. Dec 7, 2021 at 7:17 AM
    #3
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    light source for the radio is another good source
     
  4. Dec 7, 2021 at 8:19 AM
    #4
    6 gearT444E

    6 gearT444E Certified Electron Pusher

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    true but you have to remove radio to do that. Popping out the AC panel only takes about 3 seconds and is the "easiest" to tap into aside from one of the buttons on the side such as the fog lamp switches.
    upload_2021-12-7_11-18-56.jpg
     
    deanosaurus likes this.
  5. Dec 7, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #5
    Jojee117

    Jojee117 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's where you would make the dimmable connections anyway right? I guess I'll go ahead and do that anyways. I beleive I saw the green wire is the power source and the green/white wire is the "ground" that goes through the reostat? Would it be too much to pull illumination for 10 switches from that circuit? I dont think the leds draw much, maybe a collective watt if that? I'm running these wires to a 10 button meso panel for reference.
     
  6. Dec 7, 2021 at 10:28 AM
    #6
    6 gearT444E

    6 gearT444E Certified Electron Pusher

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    That's correct. I think you'll be ok, I'm running 6 or 7 LEDs from carling switches through there for the last several years without issue. If you start hooking up incandescent is probably where you'll exceed the rating and burn out the stock dimmer.
     
    Jojee117[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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