need help with a toggle switch to neon

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

I need help with hooking up my neons on a toggle switch.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif I have three neons i already cut the sockets off. The toggle switch has three prongs on it. Power(+) Acc(accesory) and Ground(-). I know that the two wires coming off the neons are. The striped one is the 12volt and the clear is ground. I need help with the connecting of the wires of the neon to the switch and how to connect the switch to power. Also do i need to ground the switch? PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif

ps the car i got is a 1997 chevy cavalier rs

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[93 saturn sl2 10+ year member]

I did it like this

power from the battery to power on switch, 3 positives of neons to acc on switch and the ground on the switch and neons to the ground on battery.

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

ok do i need a inline fuse if i connect it directly to the battery?

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

so i need to ground the switch?

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

yes. it is not a simple toggle switch. is it a lighted switch by chance?

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

yes it is lighted

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

you'd be safer running a relay with 3 neons. I don't really know what the current draw on neon's is.

I've had luck wiring them either way. The circuit is either on or off, doesn't matter which of the 2, 12v or acc it is.

FUSE IT for sure.

Get it backwards and the light on the toggle will probably STAY on.

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

buump

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

what is a relay? I know i sound like a noob. but helpppppppp please....

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

im going to sleep so feel free to write me. i will catch up with you all tomorrow

 

[jrz126 10+ year member]

you'd be safer running a relay with 3 neons. I don't really know what the current draw on neon's is.I've had luck wiring them either way. The circuit is either on or off, doesn't matter which of the 2, 12v or acc it is.

FUSE IT for sure.

Get it backwards and the light on the toggle will probably STAY on.

I have a 12" tube that I bought about 3 years ago, and it only draws 1 or 2 amps. You'll be fine without a relay.

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

I have a 12" tube that I bought about 3 years ago, and it only draws 1 or 2 amps. You'll be fine without a relay.

ahh... the interior lighting guru!!!

I just offered the relay, 'cause I don't KNOW his current draw and he said 3 tubes. But you're right, even at 6 amps he'd be fine, just FUSE IT!!!!

Maybe tomorrow he'll post what tubes exactly he's got.

 

[oudhuis 10+ year member]

i got a 15inch in back and two 5inches under each side of the front.

 

[AVSTANG02]

What is the point of the relay?

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

the point is to keep your wires small running through your toggle and up along your dash. The relay keeps the larger wire from your battery to the actual devices separated from switches. Switches are rated and the wires inside can't handle a lot of juice.

Think headlights, large electric motors, etc. MAY not apply in this case, I just wouldn't want his car to catch fire.