extra head lamps

[The passenger]

i have got two round lights to mount on top of my bumper i would like them to work as exta headlights. can i just wire thm in to the normal front lights or do i have to have them on a diffrent switch? whats the legal requirments for exta headlights? if anyone could help that be great
thanks jason

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Worth a read..https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=96326" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Says it all.

Cordialement,

[California Dreamin]

That thread is all about improving your existing lights not really about adding extras.
Your option would be extra 'driving lights' but on full beam only (wired via a relay and triggered to come on with full beam)
The reason for this is these extra lights will be either fog or driving pattern (fog produces a straight and low beam/driving lights, similar to full beam..just a large open patten) both unsuitable for dip beam operation as they will blind oncoming traffic.

Martin

[andisnewsyncro]

Surely fog pattern lenses are suitable for dipped beam operation, they're only legally allowed to be wired so as to come on with dipped main beam. They should switch off when you click full beam on. Driving lamps are the oposite - on with full beam & off with dipped.

[syncroandy]

Surely you're not suggesting its OK to have fog lamps on when its not foggy ?

I *think* spotlamps should be wired to come on with high beam only, and fogs should be wired as front fog lamps, with a fog lamp switch inside, to be used when its foggy. Or am I being hopelessy old-fashioned.. ?

E D I T: Actually more research required, there is this new 'daytime running lamp' thing you see on modern vehicles isn't there ? Not sure what spec (E code ?) those lamp are though. Personally I find them a bit unnecessary.

[andisnewsyncro]

Surely you're not suggesting its OK to have fog lamps on when its not foggy ?

No I'm not suggesting anything of the sort .

Front fogs have to have a switch, but can only be on in tandem with dipped headlights; if you go full beam they should switch off.

Driving lamps (spots) are different, they dont have to have an override switch, but must go off when on dipped.

The technical difference is in the lens and marked as such on them.
Daytime running lights are an altogether different kettle of fish

[California Dreamin]

I was really only commenting on driving lamps as they are the only type you would use to improve standard dip/full lighting.
Fog lamps are for fog...mounted low so shine underneath the fog? and so they don't create a 'wall of blinding reflected light' back off the fog and at the driver.

Martin