Rear Fog / Hazard Warning Switches

[sspogman]

Does anyone know what the IVA rules are around placement of the rear fog / hazard warning light switches please?

Currently, I've mounted mine on the bottom of the cross-member running across the front of the car just behind the dash pod, see below:






Having done this, I've realised that I can't actually reach either of these when I am wearing my seat belts! Now, I'm more than happy to move them, or even replace them with round push buttons that can be fixed in to the bottom corners of the dash pod, but don't want to go to the hassle and expense if it is unnecessary.

So, question is:

Do I have to be able to reach these switches from the driver's seat when I am restrained by the seatbelts?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[sspogman]

???Bump

Anyone got a view on this please? Could really do with knowing whether I need to order a couple of switches and make some changes.

Cheers,

[mightylad]

Hi,

I'd say that its a struggle to reach my hazard switch in the Rocket when strapped in and the seats fully back... From memory, the IVA inspector didn't try reaching the switches whilst being strapped in (in fact he never tried the belts on - he got me to sit in the car and put them on). But ultimately I guess it depends on the individual inspector.

I would say that if it is obviously out of reach (by miles) then look at repositioning them or at least contact VOSA for some guidance as they may be able to help...

Cheers,

Ol

[chrisw]

What about getting something like a pair of savage switches and either mounting them in the corner of the instument binnicle or on the steering column cowl?

Chris

[sspogman]

Hi Chris,

Yes, Savage aluminium switches was exactly what I had been thinking of should I decide to change them over. I had originally been thinking of mounting them in each of the bottom two corners of the instrument binnacle as you suggest, but then had my neighbour suggested that it might be easier still if I were to extend the wiring and place them on the transmission tunnel. Just got to decide whether to keep it as is or go to the hassle of moving them.

I'm getting more and more inclined to move them, only thing that really worries me is having to decipher the wiring from the back of the hazard switch as it is combined with the headlamp motor switch

[squelch]

the hazard wiring is easy
on one end of th plug there is an Orange and a black wire, the orange goes to the indicator/hazard relay and the black is an earth
the switch itself is a normal on off switch, when its pressed in it connects the black with the orange supplying an earth to the relay simply
all you'll need to do is extend the orange and the black to an on/off switch where you want it, the rest of the wiring is for the headlight motors and any illumination on the switch

[sspogman]

Nice one, thanks Squelch - that's twice you've helped me out already!

I think that's it settled - I'm going to have to move them now, don't have any excuses left as it's pay day on Friday Just need to ensure there's enough space underneath the centre console to allow the Savage switches to sit down flush.

[squelch]

i will let on to a little secret

i work in the motor trade in the electrical side, mainly HGV but used to do alot of work on cars fitting alarms and i trained as a mechanic years ago

[sspogman]

A-ha, that makes a lot of sense, clearly learnt your trade well.