How to Mount Trailer Clearance Lights that Ground Through the Mounting Studs

Updated 07/05/2010 | Published 07/03/2010

Question:

I tried to mount a single wire marker light before but ended up with a two wire system as the original one wire light kept shorting out to the car body. With a one wire is it as simple as connecting a ground wire, from a battery, directly to the stud with a ring connector? And the power to the positive? seems this is the way to do it.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

With a one wire light like the Optronics Mini Rectangular LED Clearance Light, item # MCL95AB, you can ground the light in one of two ways.

If the light is mounted to a location that allows for the mounting bolt or screw to contact a good ground location such as the vehicle frame then you can mount the light in this location. Then, run the power wire to a 12 volt positive tail light circuit without further wiring.

If the location the light is mounted to is not a good source of ground, you will need to run a separate ground wire to a clean, paint-, rust- and corrosion-free ground location. This extra wire should be attached to the mounting bolt or screw that is connected to the lights internal grounding tab.

expert reply by: Robert G