It is not so much the burning of the wiring that is the problem but the
burning of the old switches, including the ignition switch. Most are
dirty inside or/and half worn and show a highish resistance, generating
heat when a high current is flowing. When you install relays the current
draw on the original (switch) circuit is dramatically less, down to
negligible, all current going through the new (thicker gauge) wires
switched by the relays.
However I have seen many wires gone up in smoke as they got warm,
softened the insulation and chafed through because of a combination of
insufficient thickness of the wire (a general problem in 50's-70's cars,
not only those with Lucas wiring), half broken or corroded connectors
with high resistance thus heat generating.
Kees Oudesluijs
NL
Op 5-4-2012 0:21, David Nock schreef:
> Never put both the low or both the high on the same relay / fuse
> circuit. If you are going to install a relay and fuse then you should
> set them up left and right. That way if something happens you will
> still have a light.
>
> With all this discussion about installing fuses and relays in the
> headlight circuit. The question is how many have had a major short in
> the headlight circuit that has burned up the wiring harness. I
> personally have been doing this for the last 35 plus years and could
> probably count them on one hand.
>
> So why go to all the effort for something that is not going to be a
> problem and if it is then your harness was probably crap to start
> with. Unless you just want to make some work to do on the car.
> Personally I would rather be out driving.
>
> David Nock
> British Car Specialists
> Stockton Ca 95205
> 209-948-8767
>
> www.britishcarspecialists.com
> .
> .
>
> On Apr 4, 2012, at 1:26 PM, Kent McLean wrote:
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