toggle switch killing current

[dswareagle]

running 12ga wire to 30amp toggle but the LED in the switch barely comes on and the generator is only drawing .09 amps whats the deal? also having issues wit my digital amp meter it seems to be measuring amps in my battery not the cell

[aceras624]

toggle switches actually dont allow much current through. I had one that was rated at 20 amps with an LED that got HOOOOT at 15 amps. Turns out theyre just rated at pulsed amperage, not constant. Run the switch to a relay. Its super easy

[dswareagle]

ohhhh so use a 30 amp relay and control the relay by switch?

[aceras624]

ohhhh so use a 30 amp relay and control the relay by switch?

wise young grasshopper, very wise...

That means yes

[aceras624]

also keep in mind the ratings for relays are sometimes only for sporadic use so get a relay that can handle MORE amps than yoou would need. They take INCREDIBLY little current to switch on though. I use the remote from my radio for my relays(1 40amp relay for everything power, 2 15 amp relays for displays at 12 volts and at 6 volts for nightime driving wiht rockerswitches to control which are on) relays are so much fuuuuun!!!

[Madsceintist]

ohhhh so use a 30 amp relay and control the relay by switch?

A fuel pump relay for a late 80's ford truck or mid 90's chevy is a great relay, they're meant for continuous use at high amps. It cost more then the ecu relay but withstands the heat better.

[dswareagle]

also keep in mind the ratings for relays are sometimes only for sporadic use so get a relay that can handle MORE amps than yoou would need. They take INCREDIBLY little current to switch on though. I use the remote from my radio for my relays(1 40amp relay for everything power, 2 15 amp relays for displays at 12 volts and at 6 volts for nightime driving wiht rockerswitches to control which are on) relays are so much fuuuuun!!!

ok so how the hell do i wire a switch into a relay? the ones at orieleys have 4 leads will different nnumbers and im confussed

[Stevo]

You have a ground, supply (12v in), signal (ignition on) and switch (to cell). The supply and switch are parallel as are the ground and supply.

http://www.punchhho.com/40-amp-relay.jpg

[dswareagle]

ok... so where should i plug in my amp meter my head hurts

[aceras624]

ampmeter is run in series with the main current wire.
just do searches for "how to wire a relay" on youtube. there are tons of videos that will make you feel comfortable with how they work