Backup Light Wiring

[Railroad]

A local, fellow roadster builder and I were discussing wiring for his backup lights.
I told him, I used the switch on the trans and ran a hot wire through the switch to a LED backup light.
Since the LED is low amp draw, I felt the switch would carry the load without issue.
My LED light is a tag frame with the light incorporated into the frame.

Jeff mentioned picking up a hot lead from the tag light circuit and running the ground from the light, to the switch and ground source.

I did a head smack, Simpler and less wiring. I know the backup light will not work unless the headlights are on, but if I do not need headlights, I do not need backup lights and I do drive with my headlights on during the daylight.

I hope this makes sense and is useful to someone. Thanks to Jeff H for the idea.

[CraigS]

It makes sense to me.

[Jim1855]

Backup lights provide a premovement or intention of backing up indication prior to the actual movement along with nighttime illumination. I find value in this both as the driver and the observer.

I never ran backup lights in prior cars but did look at options.

Jim

[Papa]

I always try to run the ground through the switch vs. the hot side of the circuit whenever possible. If you need to run the hot side, depending on the load, use a relay and let the switch trigger the relay.

Dave