More LED and power supply questions

[Thaco]

Originally posted by LUDELVR
Alright, so I'm taking a different approach to this now and using this xbox 360 power brick which is 12 volts and 16.5 amps.

xbox power source

And I'll never hooking it up using these instructions:

instructions

My question is, can I install a switch between the red and blue wire as someone asked in the comments and if I do, does that switch have to be a certain spec?

first try just joining and unjoining the 2 wires to see if it acts as a switch, i havent used the xbox PSU's before, if it does work as a switch then any normal automotive switch should work, most are rated for 10amp which would be plenty for a switch like that, its likely just triggering a relay anyway

[mazdavirgin]

Originally posted by LUDELVR
My question is, can I install a switch between the red and blue wire as someone asked in the comments and if I do, does that switch have to be a certain spec?

Get a multimeter and measure the current draw when connected. Acquire switch rated for more current than the measured draw. Simple no? I assume a 1Amp switch would be plenty since it would be bad practice to use more than a 100mA or so on a power enable pin.