Fused Insurance

So after researching on the site and talking with others, I understand that the more in-line fuses the better. But where should I focus my attention? I want to make certain the whole fire thing does NOT happen. I know there is a wealth of info out there, I just can't make heads or tails of it.

I do remember reading somewhere that fusing the line before or after the headlight switch is critical. But where exactly? Didn't John Twist have a video on something like this?

Please help me in the simplest of terms. Thanks!

Jeremy

If you want to fuse your headlights I would recommend a running a separate wire from the headlight switch to each high beam and each low beam - a total of 4 wires. Fuse each wire after the headlight switch. That way if a fuse blows you only loose 1 headlight beam instead of both.

A pair of relays would work also, as Jim indicates below, but the caveat about 4 separate wires/fuses would still apply.

Perhaps you should look into the installation of a set of relays, you could also then fuse the lines going to the headlamps if you wished. It would remove quite a bit of the load off of the switch as well as having less/ shorter wiring runs to deal with.

Jim B.

A simple insurance fuse is to fuse the lead coming to the dash. Twist did a video on the subject I believe.

To some extend it may be electrical protection vs road safety.

If you'll notice, many british cars of the period tended not to fuse some of the critical road-safety related circuits (headlamps, fuel-pump, ignition). We've had many recalls in the US over what appear to minor failures but are considered major road safety issues.

Also, relay's will not protect the wiring harness from a ground-fault in the control circuit.

IMHO, a well-maintained and inspected wiring-harness is probably your best defense. Inspect regularly for chafing wires or wrapping and especially the condition of connectors and the connector coverings.

"If you want to fuse your headlights I would recommend a running a separate wire from the headlight switch to each high beam and each low beam - a total of 4 wires. Fuse each wire after the headlight switch. That way if a fuse blows you only loose 1 headlight beam instead of both."

Larry, think about what you are saying, if done as you say the dip switch would be bypassed.
When the light switch is turned on high and low beams would both be on.

Clifton

I installed relays for both the low and high beams. Most common problem is the load through the switch causes a short and melts the wiring in a bad case or just cooks the switch if you are lucky. Taking the load off the switch is a good thing to do. I fused mine, however I know there is much debate about fuses in headlight circuits.

VB has a relay kit and harness for $19.95. Works great. I also added blade fuses to the harness hot leads to be extra safe.