I searched the forum before posting, didn't see anything that answers this particular question. Hoping someone can help.

I have some PIAA 520 SMR Driving lights that I am installing on windshield brackets. The lights came with a pretty nice wiring setup, but one thing is noticably absent... a fuse.

Has anyone installed these, and if so, did you install it accoring to the installation instructions, which means no fuse?

I can't imagine not wanting a fuse into this setup.

Should I just put an inline fuse right off the positive lead, close to the batery?

Also, is this math correct?

55w each lamp, 110w / 12v = 9.17 amps.

Should I go with something like a 10, 12, 15 or 20 amp fuse, to deal with surges, etc?

Thanks for your help in advance.

- Josh

 

You need a 20 amp fuse for two 55w lights

 

No. No fuse. You should have a relay that came with your lights. That is all you need.

I've run PIAA's on all my vehicles and have 4 520's right now. There's never been an inline fuse.

 

You need a fuse.

 

Isn't the fuse inside the same plastic "box" that the relay is in ?

I'm about 99% that there's one in there, though I don't have the white papers for it with me and haven't had to change one yet, maybe double check.

good luck

 

Yes your math is correct. Watts / volts = amps.
You should stay close to your amperage rateing. If you fuse your circuit bigger than the wire is capable of handeling, then your wire becomes the fuse. Should not be any spikes.

 

I would add a fuse..or a 20 amp fuse breaker....it inserts like a fuse but functions like a breaker.

All other fog light setups have fuses. Just my $0.02

 

Ya as long as the circuit is fused. However, Unless he used #12 AWG wire, 20 amp fuse is to big.

 

So,

It sounds like there is no consensus. I guess I will put a fuse in there to be safe, but it seems strange that the harness is all pre-wired, and the instructions say connect it straight to the battery, without a fuse.

- Josh

 

I personaly find it hard to believe that you have a factory harness with no fuse. But I will take your word for it. I would not install any electrical device without fuse protection. For what it's worth, I have 25 years in the electrical trade. And I have seen electrical fires related to both overload and short circuit conditions.