Here is a mini “how to” on how to safely wire in auxillary lamps.

They are simple to wire in. You will need a suitable relay for the lamps (I use a 5 pin relay which gives two pins for output to lamps. (One works when the power to it is switched and the other when the power is off.) Also suitable cable and connectors.

I mount the relay on the bar on the bar on the inner wing that holds the headlamp relay and main power distribution from the battery.

From left to right – auxillary lamps relay, main power distributor, headlamp relay.

Firstly you need switching power – this is taken from the main beam circuit by tapping into the red/white wire. This connects to terminal 85. If you want the lights switched you would run the cable from the red/white wire to a switch on the dash and back to terminal 85.

The circuit for switching the relay is completed by connecting terminal 86 to earth. (I put the earth ring onto the securing screw for the rail)

Next you need power for the lamps this is taken from the distribution block (the cover pushes up to reveal the terminal)

This is connected to terminal 30. 87 and 87a provide output to the lamps. Connecting to 87 will put the lamps on when main beam is engaged. If 87a is used the lamp will come on at all other times (suitable for a switched fog lamp)

I normally use a two core cable to the lamps with the earth brought back from the lamp to a suitable earth point on the mounting rail.

 

The instructions in this tutorial will work in the following models / years:

-1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 Volvo 240, 242, 244 and 245

-1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 Volvo 260, 262, 264 and 265