Question regarding using ground to switch instead of hot

[richk225]

Hey all, I have just installed a set of Oracle back up lights, the ones that replace the reflectors in the bumper.
My question is, can I run the power lead to the reverse lights and run a wire up to the dash that would be the ground for the lights, allowing me option of using or not using them while in reverse.

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[lashlee]

It'll work just fine, but I would guess that you'll use them all the time. I put a set of Rigid Ignite back up lights on my wife's JLUR. After not having them there is no way I would turn them off!!

 

[Zandcwhite]

If you're running a wire to a switch, why tie in to the reverse lights at all? Your switch will have to be in for them to work so why not wire them so you could use them as area lights, loading lights, etc when the jeep isn't in reverse? It seems like either tying directly to the reverse lights so it's automatic or not tying to them at all would both be more functional? I think your way as described is making them less functional and/or user friendly with no benefit.

 

[GATORB8]

Short answer is yes, you can put a switch anywhere in the circuit and it will open it. At that point the Jeep would operate like the Oracles were not there.

I agree with @Zandcwhite , but with one recommendation. If you are going to go through the effort to wire in a switch, I would set it up one of two ways:
1. Automatically on reverse, plus a switch to override ON when not in reverse
2. Three way the switch. Off, auto with reverse, ON with switch.

That way even with the Jeep in park, you can use them as area lights for trail/trailer work or setting up camp.

EDIT: Note, I would make sure you avoid backfeeding positive current to the BCM. So either switch option I mentioned would involve either a relay or diode.

 

[richk225]

Short answer is yes, you can put a switch anywhere in the circuit and it will open it. At that point the Jeep would operate like the Oracles were not there.

I agree with @Zandcwhite , but with one recommendation. If you are going to go through the effort to wire in a switch, I would set it up one of two ways:
1. Automatically on reverse, plus a switch to override ON when not in reverse
2. Three way the switch. Off, auto with reverse, ON with switch.

That way even with the Jeep in park, you can use them as area lights for trail/trailer work or setting up camp.

EDIT: Note, I would make sure you avoid backfeeding positive current to the BCM. So either switch option I mentioned would involve either a relay or diode.

My main purpose for having a switch was to be able to turn them off in certain situations so I don`t blind people cause issues while camping with others when the brights are not really needed. I figured I could just kill the ground for as long as needed and then return to having them back on

 

[Zandcwhite]

My main purpose for having a switch was to be able to turn them off in certain situations so I don`t blind people cause issues while camping with others when the brights are not really needed. I figured I could just kill the ground for as long as needed and then return to having them back on

I get why you may want the switch, but it's the same work to just put them on a switch at that point and be able to use them for task lighting etc. My ram had super bright leds in the rear bumper that could be overpowering at times but I had just tied them in to the reverse lights so I let it be. If running a wire to a switch I'd just run a hot and be able to use them whenever.

 

[richk225]

Judging by the response`s it does make sense to run a power wire back to them, I would get more versatility out of them. Thanks to all who helped

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