best way to wire up the light bar

[thefentch]

I just picked up a new truck and got the VERVE OX light bar. now, my chiefs have there wires running down the front windows on the side under the hood threw the fire to the control box. it looks really sloppy and the wires are always flying in the wind. i also seen the wires being ran down the back then threw a hole in the corner in the cab near the bottom under the carpet and tucked away all nice nice.. I have worked for a truck outfitter and installed dozens of mini light bars(for highway use) but there was only two wires and the truck are up fitter friendly, meaning we drill a small hole in the roof under the light bar and its pre-wired under the headliner we just connect red to red and black to black and bolt the bar on. done. but this time i have to run 7+ wires and thats going to be a big hole to drill. what have some other people done to run there wires for their light bar?

[Car651]

If you insist on having lights, do it right.

Drill a hole, insert grommet, and seal with silicone.

[CaptOldTimer]

I just picked up a new truck and got the VERVE OX light bar. now, my chiefs have there wires running down the front windows on the side under the hood threw the fire to the control box. it looks really sloppy and the wires are always flying in the wind. i also seen the wires being ran down the back then threw a hole in the corner in the cab near the bottom under the carpet and tucked away all nice nice.. I have worked for a truck outfitter and installed dozens of mini light bars(for highway use) but there was only two wires and the truck are up fitter friendly, meaning we drill a small hole in the roof under the light bar and its pre-wired under the headliner we just connect red to red and black to black and bolt the bar on. done. but this time i have to run 7+ wires and thats going to be a big hole to drill. what have some other people done to run there wires for their light bar?

If you have to have this, get someone who installs them for a living and have them to do it. Otherwise, you may end up buring up your ride.

BTW - What does you insurance company say about this???

[XRaysJL]

Run!!!

Oooh no!!! Not this topic!!!
Should I start handing out the bats so everyone can beat another dead horse?
Maybe I should just hide in the nearest fox hole?

But then again, where else do people have to turn for questions like this?

[LVFD301]

A light bar assembled by a company called whacker. Seems fitting.

Anyways, drill a 3/4 inch hole, grommet, and silicone. Run the cable through the hole, to the post, and down to the floor and to your control box. Run your control box straight to your battery where you also include FUSES directly off the battery.

[firefighterbeau]

If you have to have the light bar like everyone else said do it right or dont do it at all, drill the hole use a gromet and silicon the heck out of it. make sure you use the same gauge wire that comes from the bar and control box, dont just throw pieces of this and that you have laying around in there. as for the fuses or breakers (i like the automatic resetting type) go with manufacture recommended amp's.

[FWDbuff]

what have some other people done to run there wires for their light bar?

Not have a light bar at all.

[BoxAlarm187]

But then again, where else do people have to turn for questions like this?

www.elightbars.org

[Doorbreaker]

Installation depends a LOT on the vehicle. On a P/U you can usually install the bar toward that back of the cab, then drill an access hole through the CHMSL/Box light (seal it good) then run the wiring inside through the moldings. On some SUVs that have roof racks you can install the bar, run the wires through a small conduit strapped to the rack, drop the end down to the gate and drill through the rear panel in a spot that you can cover later. Install a grommet and seal it good. On cars it all depends. I like to drill a hole directly below the bars wiring port. Then install a short piece of plastic conduit that seals to the roof and the LB. Run the wires through it and seal the end inside the bar. Inside the vehicle you can sometimes avoid pulling the headliner by using a wire puller to grab the wires using the hole for the dome lamp or overhead console for access.

The REAL trick is the switching and power supplies. With LED and strobes this is less of a problem than it used to be. I still wire them with relays and larger power and ground lines though.

[HAFD112]

Why do those who disagree feel like there opinion belongs here? I see this as a technical question. "how about no light bar at all?" disrespectfull and uncalled for.

[XRaysJL]

I agree

Why do those who disagree feel like there opinion belongs here? I see this as a technical question. "how about no light bar at all?" disrespectfull and uncalled for.

That's because there are those who think that their way is the only way things should be done. These individuals don't accept that what works/doesn't work for them may not be the same situation for others. This applies to those who believe that POV lights should never be used regardless of the situation.

[CaptOldTimer]

Why do those who disagree feel like there opinion belongs here? I see this as a technical question. "how about no light bar at all?" disrespectfull and uncalled for.

Only a troll or whacker would install a light bar on the POV!

That would absolutely be the last thing I would install on any of my POV's!

Save some money and but you a good dash light. It is on a courtesy light and by no means makes your POV an emergency vehicle.

The very first thing before buying any warning light for you POV is to check with your states Motor Vehicle Codes to see what is allowed and what isn't.

Also check with you automobile insurance carrier to see what they say about this.

You may be surprised to know that in some states that bar light on a POV isn't allowed.

Vehicles don't respect a fire truck with lights all over and a Q siren blaring, why do you think they would respect you and your light bar??

[FWDbuff]

Why do those who disagree feel like there opinion belongs here? I see this as a technical question. "how about no light bar at all?" disrespectfull and uncalled for.

It was a technical answer to a technical question.

[HAFD112]

Captoldtimer sure has lots of opinions. And doesn't know the laws for every State. A light bar, siren and registered with the fire chief DOES make a POV an emergency vehicle on some states. ( MI law p.a. 300)

If you work in an area where drivers don't respect a fire engine with red lights and sirens you should start an awareness campaign! Rather than just give up on the idea of a code responce. Maybe get law enforcement involved. I Know if you don't pull over for police lights you get in big trouble.

[CaptOldTimer]

Captoldtimer sure has lots of opinions. And doesn't know the laws for every State. A light bar, siren and registered with the fire chief DOES make a POV an emergency vehicle on some states. ( MI law p.a. 300)

If you work in an area where drivers don't respect a fire engine with red lights and sirens you should start an awareness campaign! Rather than just give up on the idea of a code responce. Maybe get law enforcement involved. I Know if you don't pull over for police lights you get in big trouble.

I don't know from what state you are in and probably don't know your motor vehicle code. I do live in Virginia and I do know the Motor Vehicle Code for this state.

Unless you are a chief or assistant chief then you can have a siren with your lights.

The type, size and candle power of that light is governed by the Virginia Motor Vehicle Code and Virginia has a regulated state automotive vehicle inspection program and only garages that confirmed to the standards of the Virginia State Police, which monitors this program, issues licenses which isn't as easy as you may get a driver's license in the state of flux.

I have a single Whelan dash light, which I very seldom used. You need one?