EM wiring dangerous

[cobragene]

I finished my EM in 1999, headlights were always dim, fast forward just got to checking it, turns out all headlight power goes through the dash sw 14ga to the dimmer sw 16ga out one for both lo beams and the other for both hi beams 20 amp breaker No relays. Even more disturbing there was one 16ga ground wire for HL,marker lights, and horn. I put in a headlight enhancement system very simple similar to Patrick’s post and beefed up grounding . World of difference very bright, even the horn no longer sounds like a dog chocking on a bone. I am very lucky it didn’t burn to the ground, probably because I don’t do a lot of night driving. I started checking the rest of the system. No fuel pump relay, but it only draws 2amps on a 16 ga wire is that acceptable?

[cobragene]

But wait there’s more I forgot, both front fans drawing about 7amps total were fed by one 16ga wire through the dash sw. I added a relay and instead of pulling a new power wire to the front I tapped the fan relay into the normally closed terminal on the horn relay, works great.

[incoming]

You've been dodging a carbeque a long time

[cobragene]

That’s funny. On second thought maybe not!

[Tommy]

I'm curious to know how you seem to have such a good understanding of electrical systems now, but didn't back in 1999. Why the recent insight into substandard wiring?

[cobragene]

That’s a very good question, but I don’t have a good answer, even thought I have been an HVAC tech since early 80s I guess I have learned a lot in the last 20 years. Also I might of had too much confidence in EM to second guess them? You really have me wondering.

[Tommy]

If someone asked me the same question, I'd say I've learned a huge amount from forums, Youtube videos and the Internet in general over the past 20 years. I'm a knowledge junkie.

[cobragene]

Nice car too. Good answer, can I claim it too, you got me thinking about the last 40years. Information was sparse until the internet around 2000. It didn’t help that I was trained on 120-240V AC schematics, which as you know have different requirements than a 12v system. Nice to talk to like minded individuals. Did you build your Cheetah? What drive trains in it?

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by cobragene

Nice to talk to like minded individuals. Did you build your Cheetah? What drive trains in it?

Yep. Check out the link in my signature for more info.