In a message dated 04/08/2006 3:24:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I have  two questions for the group regarding the use
of relays to power the  headlamps. As I understand it,
the benefit of using relays is a more direct  circuit
path from the fuse box (or other power source) to the
headlamps  via the relay power circuit, and in the
process removing from the circuit  path the current
flowing through the dashboard light switch and
headlamp  dimmer switch. Current would still flow
through these switches, of course,  but it is much
lower amperage used only to operate the relay  control
circuit, which switches the power circuit on and off.
Based on a  review of the archives, it sounds as if
this is a common installation  method.

But in looking at the wiring diagram for my 90 syncro
westy,  it looks as if, by using relays in this way,
the current to the relay  control circuit becomes
un-fused. The existing fuses remain within  the
headlamp circuit paths -- whose current would be
provided by the  relay power circuit -- and nothing
downstream would need to change except  maybe a better
ground. But, the relay control circuit would get  its
current via the headlamp switch, thus making its
current path  separate from the downstream headlamp
fuses.

So, questions for the  group:
-       Am I reading the diagram correctly,  that
installation of relays as described here makes the
relay control  circuit un-fused?
-       If yes, thoughts on whether a  fuse is needed within
the relay control circuit path, or other ideas  on
relay installation?

I just don’t want to fry anything while  driving down a
logging road, at night, in the north woods, miles  from
anyone, tired, hungry, etc. Thanks.

Kevin, see my _Vanagon Headlamp Relay  Upgrade_ 
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/hdltrela.htm)  webpage and read the installation instructions and you will 
find the  headlamps are still fused as they were originally.  

Cheers,    

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
_Frank Condelli  & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html) 
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_ 
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)  
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper  
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007