So it seems that people when wiring stuff dont use relays for automotive purposes. Are they really needed? For example, I have a 3 prong toggle switch that I want to wire for angel eyes that can be turned on when off. Is it really necessary to use a relay in this case? I plan on going to anyways but wanted to see what the community thinks.


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2001 Ranger XLT 2wd | 18" TSW Sonomas

You only need relays when the switch itself can't handle the load. (A relay is just a switch powered by a smaller current). Modern vehicles tend to use small micro switches that can't handle any current so they require a relay. If you use an old school toggle switch they are generally rated at something like 30+ amps so a relay is redundant.

There are other reasons to use relays but they don't apply to your situation. Just check the amp rating of the switch your using vs the amp rating of whatever accessory your adding. If the switch is rated higher than the accessory, then forget the relay but still always fuse the circuit.

Not knowing what an "angel eyes" is, what is the amp draw?

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They're the daytime running lights that go around the headlight.

Like this


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2002 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, ext. cab, Stepside, Auto, 4.0L v6

It’s most likely one or 2 leds in each ring, a rocker switch SHOULD be plenty


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2004 ranger 4.0L edge

To clarify, the angel eyes are a ring that go around projectors to give it a better look. For the product I purchased, they draw a .48A, which is basically nothing. I am doing this for setting up lighted switches for upcoming parts (angel eyes, fog lights, light bar, interior footwell lights, and rock lights). I have started working on wiring everything up for these, which I think I will place in the cubby that comes with an aftermarket single din radio, or on top of the dash.



I will provide a diagram of the wiring in case anyone wants to do the same, as well as how to correctly wire a 4 pin relay.

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2001 Ranger XLT 2wd | 18" TSW Sonomas

Ya I’d say you don’t need a relay


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2004 ranger 4.0L edge

Been wiring this up and I figured I might as well explain how to wire up a 3 prong switch and relay.

This 3 prong switch is used for and on off switch, that has an indicator light when it is on. 1 prong, located by itself, is the ground. It can be recognized as a squiggly line thing. Then there are 2 other prongs. The middle one is a positive, or power, and the last one is accessory, which is shown as a light.

The ground prong should be either wired to a battery, or a chassis mounted bolt. The positive terminal should lead back to the positive battery terminal or 12V power. A fuse is highly recommended, that should be in line as close to the battery as possible. Lastly, the accessory terminal would go to the positive of the accessory, or the 86 pin on a relay (if using one). When the switch is turned on, power is ran through the accessory prong to the light (or whatever it is). This will also turn on the light.

NOTE: If you want the led on the switch to be lit, even while off, wire it to the negative battery terminal rather than a ground.

As shown in the next picture, I began wiring up the switches. The black wire is connected to the ground terminal on all 5 (That way I do not have 5 ring terminals to put on a bolt, saves wires and time), and ends in a ring terminal to be bolted to the chassis (metal to metal).
The red wire is the positive terminal, which is only jumped to two switches (I do not recommend doing this really I’m just dumb). The wire coming out of the power will be connected to the 12v outlet, which is fused, so I dont have to run it all the way down to the battery. As for the others, they will need much longer wires to go out of the cabin, through the firewall, and to the battery.

Below is what the wiring will be like for my application, as well as what each prong does in a relay. No need to comment on my fantastic artistry on a fine piece of paper towel.
A relay is commonly used to control a circuit by a separate low-power signal, or where several circuits must be controlled bu one signal. For a 4 prong relay, the top terminal, or 30, is for a positive current. This should be hooked up directly to your battery or 12v source, and have a fuse in between the relay and the battery. To its right, 86, is used for a coil pin. If you were to use a relay (in this case I am) the accessory prong from the switch will go to this terminal. To the opposite side, 85, is used to ground the relay. At the bottom of the relay, 87, is used to go to the accessory. So when the switch is flipped on, the coil connects which sends power to terminal 87, which will then be connected to the positive of the accessory.
Shown below is how I have set up my relays (which isnt fully completed yet). My fuse is in my relay so I dont need an inline fuse. The red wired ring terminal will go directly onto the positive part of the battery and the black wired ring terminal will be bolted to the chassis.
I will post more pictures when it is fully completed. If anyone would like to add anything feel free, and I can answer questions if you guys have any.

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2001 Ranger XLT 2wd | 18" TSW Sonomas

You should move the fuse so its protecting both the switch and relay. In your napkin the switch itself has no protection.