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themajor
Bone Stock
Posts:25
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| 11/16/2004 10:24 PM |
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| How does a relay work on a light system?
Thanks |
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You can do things the right way or the wrong way.
Or you can do it MY way...which is like the wrong way, only much faster.
http://www.links4jeeps.com |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 11/16/2004 10:49 PM |
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A relay on a light system works the exact same way all other relays work, and they're bloody simply. Once you understand how they work, you'll get the whole process and implementing them in your 4x4 will be much easier. Here's an overview...
A relay is a simple electromechanical switch made up of an electromagnet and a set of contacts. Relays are normally made in the "N.O." (Normally Open) configuration (e.g. in the "off" position) but can be purchased in an N.C. (Normally Closed) configuration as well.
From a high level, a constant power source is applied to one lead (power in), a "switched" power source is applied to another lead, there's a ground lead, and finally, an "outbound" power lead. The constant 12 volt source is always waiting for the electromagnet to fire (controlled by the switched lead) so that it can send its power to the "outbound" lead.
Relays are used in conjunction with switches so that a heavy electrical load isn't applied to the switch (e.g. lights, amplifiers, etc.). Since the relay is comprised of a large electromiechanical switching mechanism, it can handle heavy current loads.
Here's how they're constructed and how they work...
There are four parts in every relay:
- Electromagnet
- Armature that can be attracted by the electromagnet
- Spring
- Set of electrical contacts
The following figure shows these four parts in action:
[img]http://www.4x4review.com/images/relay-off.gif[/img][img]http://www.4x4review.com/images/relay-on.gif[/img]
you can see that a relay consists of two separate and completely independent circuits. The first is at the bottom and drives the electromagnet. In this circuit, a switch is controlling power to the electromagnet. When the switch is on, the electromagnet is on, and it attracts the armature (blue). The armature is acting as a switch in the second circuit. When the electromagnet is energized, the armature completes the second circuit and the light is on. When the electromagnet is not energized, the spring pulls the armature away and the circuit is not complete. In that case, the light is dark.
So that's it... simple, and very effective.
Hope this helps!
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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themajor
Bone Stock
Posts:25
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| 11/20/2004 11:54 AM |
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| Great, exactly what I needed to know. I'm installing offroad lights and it will keep the big electrical losd out of the drivers compartment.
Thanks |
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You can do things the right way or the wrong way.
Or you can do it MY way...which is like the wrong way, only much faster.
http://www.links4jeeps.com |
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