mjr24

I went to radio shack per Lex400sc's instructions on wiring cornering into fogs, and didnt have 1 part I needed.
They also never heard of t-taps, which I havent either......
what are they?!

hwallen172

A t-tap is a clip on wiring connector that lets you easily tap into an existing wire without cutting it. For example, if you have a +12 volt supply wire that you want to tap into, you put your new wire into one side of the t-tap and put the existing wire into the other and snap the t-tap shut. It has sharpened metal slots in it commonly referred to as insulation displacement connectors that will pierce the insulation of the wire but won't cut the wire itself.

One thing to remember about an insulation displacement connector is that it doesn't have a lot of surface area so it may not be suitable for a high current application. If you're careful with a sharp knife and good with a soldering iron, you can do a better job by hand. Just get some nice heat shrink tubing to dress it up when you're done.

mjr24

Ah....so basically its not needed....its just where I am spitting the existing wire open to put that third wire in there......?
Also...he mentioned a 5 prong auto relay.....I went to auto parts store and they didnt know what I meant....they tried getting me the OEM Lexus 43.00 one for the cornering lamps...dont think this is what LEXSC400 meant....any clarification?

hwallen172

Yes, the t-taps are not mandatory if you're comfortable doing your own copper connections. Wire nuts, hand wrapping, and soldering are all good options if you keep in mind that the finished product needs to be secure both from an electrical and mechanical standpoint. You want it to be low resistance when you put it in, and you don't want to have to mess with it at any time in the future. Wiring something once is easy; rewiring something is a pain. Do it right the first time, and you'll never regret it.

hwallen172

I forgot to respond to the 5-prong relay question. A 5-prong relay is typically a relay with an SPDT switch on it. SPDT means single pole - double throw which means that the relay will switch a connection from one connection to another based upon whether the relay is energised or not. A lot of relays are built as 5 prong whether they need all 5 or not. It's a manufacturing thing.

lex400sc

I buy the good t-taps . The ones with male-female disconnects on the side. T-taps aren't required, but they make the install easier and cleaner-looking. Resistance shouldn't be an issue since the t-taps are being used as triggers. The relay can be four or five prong, just ask for an automotive relay. They should cost you less than $5.

lex400sc

Here are some cheapo taps...

http://www.radioshack.com/category.a...4%5F000&Page=1


Here's a Rat Shack relay...

http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=275%2D226

strongsail

don't use wire nuts on stranded wire - they are designed for coarser strands or for solid core like house wiring, vibration will make them come loose, they act as little moisture traps, etc. etc. Buy a good crimp tool and use good quality compression connectors, you can get the connectors with adhesive heatshrink on the outside so you can waterproof the connection - you can find good ones at a marine store like West Marine -