TR4/4A Power (+) Sources

[RJS]

Hi All,

Not being an electrical expert, looking for some advice to connection spot for power (+).

First one is a connection for headlight power. I have recently installed relays and presently have the power (+) lead connected directly off the battery (+) terminal. Is this OK or is there a preferable spot off the fuse box? If so, which terminal? This connection does not need to be switched with ignition power.

Second, I have new headlights with a city light option. I am using the city light feature as a DRL for safety. This one needs to be switched with the ignition. Presently it is wired to the (+) terminal on my ignition coil. I suspect this is not ideal. Other ideas/suggestions?

Thanks

Bob
PS: later I am planning on installing a USB power supply descretely under the dash. Will likely want to power this same as my city lights

 

[Sarastro]

Hooking the lead to the (+) side of the battery will work, but it's not optimal, as the headlight current won't register on the ammeter. Better is any point after the regulator. The current form the battery goes from the battery through the ammeter into the regulator A terminal and out the A1 and out to the car. I suspect that the only really practical place along that circuit is the regulator's A1 terminal itself.

I don't know how much current the city lights will need, but if it's more than a few amps, I would use a relay. The relay coil goes to the ignition switch's terminal (the one that connects to the coil) and ground, and a wire goes from the regulator's A1 to the lights.

This is a lot of connections to the A1, so it might be a good idea to find some kind of terminal strip for the connections and run a single wire from it to the A1. Of course, put in-line fuses in the high-current leads to the lamps.

I hope this isn't confusing. I think you should be able to follow it if you have a copy of the wiring diagram.

 

[NutmegCT]

Just in case - TR4a wiring diagram attached.

 

[Bristol401]

Battery connection is fine, but put an inline fuse between.

 

[RJS]

Brilliant, thanks all.

The city lights and the headlights are warm white LEDs (3000K) both from ClassicCarLEDs in the UK. Pull 1/3 amps and 3.2amps per pair, respectively. But, still want to wire everything correctly. Appreciate the advice (Steve) and wire diagram (Tom).

Bristol401, battery line is fused feeding a relay (relay probably not needed with LED lights but, hey...)

Bob
PS: BTW, super pleased with these warm white LED bulbs, as posted here with photos: > General TR - Warm White H4 LED Headlight Bulbs <

 

[mctriumph]

On a Tr4 it is nice to upgrade to the Tr6 fuse block. This is a good safety mod, as more fuses can help hold in the smoke.
Mad dog

 

[Sarastro]

For 1/3 amp you don't need a relay. I'd just wire it to any convenient point after the ignition switch.

For 3A it's probably OK not to use a relay, but I would use one anyway, as it will probably give more satisfactory results overall. You're less likely to have erratic behavior, as the switch starts to wear out. And new TR4A light switches ain't exactly cheap, available, and easy to replace.

 

[RJS]

Thanks Steve,
So, will look to connect the headlight lead to the A1 (vs battery) and will likely leave the DRL lead connected to (+) of ignition coil as it is only drawing 1/3 amp, and is a close easy source

Bob