How to Install a Kill Switch on Aftermarket Lighting

Aftermarket lighting is a great way to make you car stand out from the rest. But sometimes you need to be able to turn it off. Whether it's during the day or you are in an area where your lighting is illegal, having a kill switch is essential to your aftermarket car lighting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 12 volt DC switch
• 16 gauge wire
• 16 gauge end caps
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape

1. Select and purchase a 12 volt DC switch from your local electronics store.

2. Locate the positive power wire for your lighting. The positive wire usually has a line drawn on it while negative does not.

3. Splice in a few extra feet of wire into your power wire so that it reaches wherever you wish to locate your switch.

4. Hook the switch into the power wire following the instructions with the switch.

5. Attach the switch where you desire, again being sure to follow the directions with the switch if available.

6. Turn on the car and verify that the switch turns off your lighting.

Tips & Warnings

• If the switch is not turning off your lighting, you should check to see if the wires are touching anywhere.
• Tape over the splices attaching both wires to the end caps as this will help prevent them from pulling out.
• Be sure to put the switch before any transformers that your light uses.
• If you lights are illegal, keep the switch out of site so an officer who pulls you over will not see the switch.
• Be sure the power is off to the aftermarket car lighting before cutting and splicing wires or you could be shocked or damage your equipment.
• The switch needs to be able to handle the 12 volt DC signal and be placed before any transformers or you could cause a fire.