Bay Light Switch overheat

[Carnac]

After fixing my 12v DC issue (bad salesman switch), I found that the 12v rocker switch (on/off) for the bay lights was extremely hot (it was in the on position). It would not even let me turn it off - it was frozen - pushed hard and got it to a middle position.

It was still hot, so I removed the switch and taped-up the wires (switch and wires beside the passenger seat outboard arm rest).

I found a replacement 10 amp (at 14v) switch.

My question is, do you think just the switch was bad, or do I have a problem on one (or more) of the bay lights?

I did just touch the two wires together after removing from the switch - small spark, but the wires didn't seem to be heating up.

Worst case, I can use the MH without bay lights for now.

Also, I think I will replace all the bay light bulbs with LEDs - that should reduce the draw a lot.

Thanks for any insight or similar experiences that you may have had.

Jim

[windsorbill]

The original incandescent bulbs that monaco installed will draw quite a bit. Count up all those bulbs that run through that switch. As I recall, I had 10. I had a similar over heating issue (switch would get quite warm, but never hot to the touch) and replaced all with LED and even added some. Never an issue since.

[Carnac]

Originally Posted by windsorbill

The original incandescent bulbs that monaco installed will draw quite a bit. Count up all those bulbs that run through that switch. As I recall, I had 10. I had a similar over heating issue (switch would get quite warm, but never hot to the touch) and replaced all with LED and even added some. Never an issue since.

Thanks - going the LED route is my plan too.

Jim

[YC1]

Led is definitely the route to go and you may want to look at some led strips.

If the switch has/had a bulb inside it and was/is lit most of the time that can be the source of the heat.