13 replies to this topic

[CaptainBland08]

hey,

i was just wondering if it would be legal for me to run two toggle switches one switching on sidelights... then the other switching on main beam... i was going to run both circuits through an ignition live like a fiat, so they can be left one without the battery dying...

has anyone done this? does the MOT man say yes?

Chris

[Bungle]

the lighting regs are in the faq section

you might find your answer there

[dhende84]

You sometimes see similar set ups on kit cars. IVA regs state that there needs to be a minimum rad on such things, hence the bini had the padlock shackles around their toggle switches.
I would presume Mr MOT-man wants them to work, so labelling may help.

[CaptainBland08]

so as long as i stick a label on each one i should be ok?

Chris

[dhende84]

As Bungle says it may be best to check the lighting regs section.
My opinion is that it probably isn't a regulatory requirement to label it all, but at least the MOT man knows what is what.

From a quick google search, the only thing that I could see was "2. Check the presence, condition, security and operation of the switch."

Could get a 3 way toggle for off-side-dipped labelled as lights and a 2 way for main.

[dhende84]

Toggle switch like this.
Seeing as it is as fitted to a Mini, did the early Mini's have any identification of the switch?

[pikey7]

just because it was fitted to minis doesn't mean it can be fitted to minis of a different age. regs change, and homologation may have been done to a different standard.

having said that, I see no reason why you can't change to a toggle switch for the main lighting switch, I would be a little concerned about moving the dip/main switch away from the steering wheel area, and i'm not sure on the necessity for a "flash" function. That will all be in the regs for your age of car.

If you are talking about having one switch for sidelight, and then another for dip, and then the stalk for dip/main, i don't see why not, but again, check the regs. Certainly the dip switch shouldn't turn anything on without having the sidelights on first. You should also check the necessity for tell-tale lights on or near the switches.

You should always label the switches as a matter of course. Little symbols will do. try to stick with the british standard for symbols though.

[mikey72]

I've been warned that having two separate independent switches, one for the side lights, and one for the headlights, being an mot failure. You are not allowed to be able to switch on the headlights without putting on the sidelights. (apart from the flasher)

[dhende84]

That's why you'd use a 3 way toggle. But even if you did want to use 2 switches for side and dipped you could wire them so that you wouldn't get dipped without the side lights. Would be slightly pointless in my opinion.

Fair point pikey7. Got carried away with the idea of toggles. 3 way for the light switch (like the standard one) and main beam/flash on the stalk.

[MRA]

Read the FAQ's page...........

Main beam HAS to be on a dip switch.

[Andywade]

I have toggle switches for everything!

you just to have a light that shows the circuit is working for all the switches -
Mr MOT man wont have any problems then

[Turbo Nick]

I've been warned that having two separate independent switches, one for the side lights, and one for the headlights, being an mot failure. You are not allowed to be able to switch on the headlights without putting on the sidelights. (apart from the flasher)

yup thats right, i've got 2 switches for my lights and i got pulled for it this year (been like it for 5 but anyway...) had to do a little tweaking on the relay wiring and its all sorted, can't put headlights on without sidelights now.

[1380sprint]

You could always keep the standard switch too....

[tommy13]

There is nothing in the MOT manual which states how many or what type of switches you may have for the lights, or that that it should not be possible to operate the headlights without the side lights (position lamps). The only requirement is that the switch(s) should be secure and operate correctly (work).

It does seem wrong that you should be able to operate the headlights without the side lights, and as others have already suggested, look in the lighting regulations. Even though a vehicle has passed an MOT it may not be road legal.