Even the most experienced car and truck aficionado needs to study up on auto-related information from time to time. For instance, how much do you know about CK and standard wiring?

No matter your level of vehicle wiring expertise, your friends at Underground Lighting are here to break down the basics on both CK and standard wiring, including their definitions, key differences, and how to determine which one you have—as well as why it matters.

Standard (NON-CK) VS. CK Style Bulb Sockets

Knowing as much as possible about your vehicle’s wiring setup can come in handy for a number of reasons. Should a problem arise, you’ll be more knowledgeable about what parts you’ll need to repair or replace, as well as determining whether you can remedy the issue yourself, or if you need to take your car or truck in to the shop for professional assistance.

• Basically, most vehicles have one of two types of wiring configurations—standard or CK.

• As the name implies, most cars and trucks have standard wiring. Only a select few vehicles from a handful of manufacturers use a CK-wired socket, and only in a few various years.

• These select instances when CK wiring has been implemented was done to power certain turn signal and brake light bulbs.

• Although standard and CK sockets look very similar, the wiring setup is a bit different.

• On a typical standard wiring socket, positive and negative terminals can be found on either side of the bulb.

• Standard bulbs can be illuminated by simply connecting a positive to one side of the circuit and the other to a ground.

• The CK-wired socket is wired specifically for use with polarity-sensitive headlight bulbs, like LEDs.

• LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlight bulbs are equipped with built-in circuitry for color and brightness, requiring a polarity-sensitive bulb.

• LED headlight bulbs are a popular choice because they provide an instantly refreshed, upgraded alternative to dull, dim halogen stock headlight bulbs.

• LED bulbs burn much brighter and longer than their halogen predecessors, saving you time and money while improving your car or truck’s lighting look and performance in no time.

• The only difference you’ll see is the position of the contacts in the socket. For this reason, you’ll need to perform a test with a multimeter to see which kind of wiring your vehicle has.

Do I Have CK Or Standard Wiring?

Now that you know the main differences between the two main types of automobile bulb wiring configurations, you need to determine which setup your vehicle has prior to upgrading from a standard incandescent bulb to a more innovative LED headlight bulb.

• Due to the virtually identical appearance of both CK and standard wiring configurations, the only way to know for sure which kind your car or truck has is to test it with a multimeter.

• This test is something you can do yourself or have a professional conduct for you.

• Another way to determine your vehicle’s wiring configuration is to conduct an online search for your car or truck’s specific make, model, and year.

• Odds are, someone has likely done this research for you already, and the results could be right at your fingertips.

Why Does it Matter?

You need to know which type of wiring configuration your car or truck has if you’re planning to upgrade your vehicle with LED headlight bulbs from stock halogen bulbs.

• Making the switch without knowing what kind of setup you have currently risks damage to your vehicle. Don’t risk your time, money, and vehicle’s performance—do your due diligence ahead of time for the best outcome.

• You need to determine if the LED bulb has the internal circuit necessary to adapt to a common light circuit.

• If the LED bulb does NOT have the above-mentioned internal circuitry, your next step is to test and (potentially) rewire the connector to the specific LED light bulb circuit design you need.

• While performing the test, pay close attention to how the socket is wired. Doing so will help prevent possible damage to your circuit fuse.

• If you don’t want to blow your circuit fuse by installing a non-compatible bulb, be smart and do your research beforehand.

• As always, if you’re in doubt as to your abilities to conduct any product conversions or tests properly and safely on your vehicle, it’s always a safe bet to have a professional complete the task.

• The crew at Underground Lighting is available 24/7 to steer you in the right direction while lending you their invaluable expertise.

Update and upgrade your car or truck’s lighting look with the best, most reliable products on the market.

Underground Lighting’s reputation as the #1 source for all of your auto lighting and accessory needs is well-deserved.

Want to see for yourself? Simply call, email, live chat to get connected with a skilled UGL specialist today.