What does a relay do in a 12V circuit?
In 12-volt automotive circuits, even small resistance amounts can cause significant voltage drop. Relays provide a solution by shortening the required length of the heavy-gauge, power-delivery wire from the battery or alternator to the load.
When would you use a 12V relay?
12V DC relay switches are the best solution for full voltage applications, as they allow a low current flow circuit to control a high current flow circuit, like a vehicle’s horn, headlights, auxiliary lamps, fan motors, blower motors and countless pieces of equipment existing on vehicles today.
What are the 2 circuits of a relay called?
Relays involve two circuits: the energizing circuit and the contact circuit. The coil is on the energizing side; and the relays contacts are on the contact side. When a relays coil is energized, current flow through the coil creates a magnetic field.
How many amps does a 12V relay draw?
The current draw of the coil is not normally shown but is typically 150-200 mA with a corresponding coil resistance of around 80-60 W. Tip: Knowing the coil resistance is useful when testing the relay for a fault with a multi-meter.
Why use a relay in a circuit?
Relays control one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in another circuit. Relays are generally used to switch smaller currents in a control circuit and do not usually control power consuming devices except for small motors and Solenoids that draw low amps.
What is 87a on a relay?
Numbers of a Relay Note that each pin is numbered. 85 and 86 are the coil pins while 30, 87, and 87a are the switch pins. 87 and 87a are the two contacts to which 30 will connect. If the coil is not activated, 30 will always be connected to 87a. Think of this as the relay in the Normally Closed (OFF) position.
How many amps does a 12v relay draw?
What does 87a mean on a relay?
87a. High current (load) Output to other device, normally closed, pulled open when coil is energized.
What is the resistance of a 12V relay?
The relays are usually supplied with 12 V directly from the vehicle battery. The electrical resistance (impedance) of the coil is vary and is different depending upon the manufacturer of the relay as well as relay’s type, but in general a typical value should be expected between 50 ohms and 200 ohms.