How to Make Ground Connection for LED Lights Installed in Van

Updated 08/09/2017 | Published 08/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

GloLight LED RV Dome Light with Chrome Trim Ring - 168 Lumens - Round - Clear Lens

(38)

$20.67

Hex Screw - Self Drilling Unslotted Washer Head #8 x 1/2"

(35)

$2.10

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(72)

$1.20

Question:

I have just one white wire to hook up my two wire black and white wired led lights. How do I ground it if Im installing it into a wood surface?

asked by: Rachel

Expert Reply:

Vehicle and trailer lights often use a white wire for ground, while other lights might use their mounting studs or mounting base to establish the ground. These lights could have only one wire, the hot lead, since the ground is made by the hardware that installs it.

If your light has two leads, black and white, the white wire is most likely the ground. This can be attached to metal framework if available or you can run a ground jumper wire to a suitable metal surface to ground it. Since you're mounting the light on a wood surface you will need to make a ground connection to the nearest bare metal surface.

A ring terminal like # 44-5310A and Self Drilling Hex Screw # 101131802 can make it easier to establish your wired ground.

Please feel free to tell us more about the vehicle and light and include photos if you wish; they often help us help you.

expert reply by: Adam R