redraif

Ok I tried to run a search. but did not come up with anything.

Ok in a typical relay situation. You have a light that draws more current then the switch can handle. So relays are added to allow for this current to go thru the relay and not thru the switch or signal source. I get that. The problem is my project needs a larger current GROUND source.

I'm going to need to use larger bulbs on project of mine, which are going to require more current.

The way the system was made that I want to convert....The bulbs receive constant power. So a large power source is not a problem. But the signal wire is a ground that alternately closes the circuit so each bulb will light in sequence. Now I wanted to add a higher wattage bulb, but I think the current required would fry the negative signal wires.

So I was thinking about using a relay to provide a higher current ground source. Is there a way to make a relay work with a negative signal wire? Is there a special reversed relay I need to buy, or can the wires be swapped on a traditional relay.

Thanks! I hope this is not too out there for you!

Danno

The signal wire is a ground and is presently providing the ground for the bulbs? One end of each bulb is fed voltage and you simply ground the other end to light? If that's correct simply check the current rating of the signal wire usually in amps or milliamps and the rating of the new bulbs. The signal wire evidently sinks to ground so using a relay is no problem. Voltages and wattage ratings of the lamps would help as well as the device used for control. Most likely you CAN use a relay, depending on voltage select the proper coil voltage. Need to know whether it's AC or DC. Relay coil needs DC for the coil side. If you have DC just get a relay of the same coil(not contact rating) voltage as the hot side of the lamps, tap off it and run it to one end of the relay coil. Use the signal wire to control the coil, when the signal wire goes low the relay will energize the coil and the contacts will close. On the connection for the lamp that presently has your signal wire hook up to one end of the relay contact side, the other relay contact wire to ground. More info helps, but that's the basics. Hope it helps

redraif

I'm sorry, your explaintion went a bit over my head...
I thought maybe it was just wondering if it was as simple as switching the power and ground on a standard auto relay...
Regular Relay wiring I'm refering too...like for foglights...AC or DC...I don't know...
Standard relays I'm used to have 4 prongs and are numbered as follows:
87: output to item
86: input (signal wire)
85: ground
30: power

Hence me asking first...I did not want to blow up anything!
I'm gonna have to read your reply a few times...whew! You definately have better knowledge of this then me...

Ok the existing bulbs are actually X-mas bulbs...Pitiful I know.
They are welded on a printed curcuit...they have a power wire welded to the curcuit and this feeds to every bulb...Its hot all the time. Adding a ground to the bulb will light it...yes

So I plan to ditch the printed curcuit and got to straight power wires to the bulbs...I'm trying to upgrade to standard automotive turn signal bulbs...not the 3 way bulbs...1157 or 1156...whichever has the single light feature...but the ground current will need to be just as hefty as the power current coming in...so...

The problem comes with the signal wire...It goes to a box with a curcuit board. I know that can't take the higher current running thru it. And I'm not that good with curcuits boards, so i can't modify it...not that good, umm..ok I'm clueless about them.

I just needed a way to introduce a suffient ground for the bulb.

So how should I rig it? I thought it might be as simple as swapping the ground wire (85) and the Power wire (30)?

I understand pretty well how relays work, but I'm not that good! I can wire foglights, stereos, and my headlight conversion, but thats all I have learned till now.... Sadly calling it a coil confuses me...Again I'm sorry I don't know more about this...