How to Ground Clearance Light That Has Only One Wire
Question:
I am replacing a broken light on the side of my 2015 Thor Palazzo RV. I purchased a Optronics MC31AS light assembly that has one wire. My existing lamp has two wires, which I assume is a power and a ground. How do I hookup the Optronics with only one wire?
asked by: Vince C
Expert Reply:
A light that uses only one wire for connection will use its mounting hardware to make the ground connection. So that one wire is for +12V. One or both of the mounting holes will have a metal contact to allow the screw you use to mount it to establish the ground connection to the RV's metalwork.
If this does not provide a sufficient ground you could add another wire to one of the mounting holes so that the screw contacted it, and then connect the other end of that wire to a suitable metal surface.
If you ever want to you can convert his light to LED operation by substituting an LED element for the standard type 194 incandescent bulb it comes with. LEDs use less power, are brighter and do not require routine replacement like standard incandescent bulbs do. Just click on the linked page to see all LED lighting element that can replace bulbs.
Select the 194 type to see items such as # ARC78FR. This is a 2-pack of amber-color LED elements.
Products Referenced in This Question
194 LED Bulbs - Eco Series - 360 Degree - Wedge Base - 411 Lumens - Amber - Qty 2
- Vehicle Lights
- Interior Light
- Tail Light
- Brake Light
- Dome Light
- Pair of Lights
- LED Light
- Replacement Bulb
- 194
- Amber
- ARC
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Clearance Lights - MC31AB Review
- Search Results: led marker
- Q&A: How to Install New Trailer Lights that Only Have One Wire
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: lift kits
- Q&A: Can Single Wire Clearance Light Be installed To Replace 2-Wire Light On Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Why Does a Marker or Clearance Light Only Have One Wire
- Q&A: Do 12 Volt Lights that Get Added to Trailer Interior Need to be Grounded
- Shop: LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector- 3 Diodes - White Base - Amber Lens
- Shop: Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel with Offset - 13" x 4-1/2" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - 6 Diodes - Amber Lens
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflector - 6 Diodes - Rectangle - Red Lens
- Search Results: single wire clearance lights
- Q&A: Amperage Draw of MaxxAir MaxxFan Trailer Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - w/ Rain Cover # MA00-06200K
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Review RU-18-TA-00302588
- Shop: Dust Cap for Kodiak Disc Brake Kit
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Red Lens
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 25580