answersLogoWhite

0

What is an automotive relay?

Updated: 4/28/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Best Answer

An automotive relay is a device that uses a small amount of current to control a large current-drawing device. For example; using a small switch on your dashboard to run the starter motor on your car. The starter motor on your car is probably the largest draw of electricity from your battery. When you need the electricity from your battery to start your car, you have to control that flow of electricity somehow. In the early days of electricity (automotive-related), the designers used a large wire or cable to allow that high flow of energy from the battery to your starter-motor. This became very impractical because of the excessive size of the wiring and switches needed to run that motor. Also, the longer the wire needed to run that device, the more drop in current and voltage would occur. Hence, another source of starting problems could surface. As technology improved, so did the devices to control the flow of electricity. The relay was born! Inside the relay is a small electromagnetic coil which again, uses the small amount of electricity from that small ignition switch on you dashboard or steering column to close a set of electrical contacts inside the relay. These contacts close allowing the large amount of electrical current to flow from your battery to the starter motor, without having to have the large wires inside the car, avoids the unnecessary length of those wires and provides the shortest path of that high-current electrical power to flow from your fingers to the starter! This is just one example of a relay's use, you can substitute any large electrical device for the starter motor, automobiles can have dozens of electronic and electro-mechanical relays!

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is an automotive relay?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the check relay for?

automotive relays


What is the purpose of an automotive relay?

The Purpose of a Relay is to control multiple electrical components at once.


What does Custom Connector Corporation manufacture?

They are a manufacturer of industrial relay sockets, automotive relay sockets and connectors, and electronic packaging products. They have a website at customconnector.com Custom Connector Corporation manufactures and designs electro-mechanical connecting devices. Some of their types of products are industrial relay sockets, automotive relay sockets, automotive relay connectors, products to package items electronically, terminal blocks and custom items. They are the largest relay socket manufacturer in the world. They make a broad range of relay sockets set to different mounting and connecting requirements. Their sockets are made from thermoplastic. All of their products and custom work can be made to varying requirements from light to heavy duty usage. Some of their newest products are sealed automotive relay connectors, electronic packaging enclosures and miniature sockets.


Can you use a 50 amp automotive relay with a 12V dc coil to control 12V ac 500 watt halogen lighting?

No, you cannot use a 50 amp automotive relay with a 12V DC coil to control 12V AC 500 watt halogen lighting. Automotive relays are designed to work with DC power, not AC power. Additionally, the amp rating of the relay refers to its capacity for DC load, not AC load. You should use a relay specifically designed for AC applications with the appropriate voltage and current ratings.


What does EEC stand for in Automotive speak?

Electronic Engine Control, also called brown relay.. Basically it provides power to the computer..


What to do when your blinkers stop working on your 1995 Saturn sl?

Replace the blinker relay, located on the fuse panel. Buy it at any automotive parts dealer.


WHAT IS THE POSITIVE STUD AND NEGATIVE STUD OF A GLOW RELAY 12496472?

A typical automotive relay has numbered connections. Connection number 30 is the fused power supply to feed the load. In this case the load would be the glow plug(s). Number 87 is the load to the glow plug(s). Number 86 is the power supply that operates the relay, usually comes from an ignition or accessory switch. Number 85 provides the ground for the relay to operate.


Difference between automotive engineering and automotive designing?

Automotive engineering is how the car will perform. Automotive design is what the car will look like.


What is a complete automotive?

A complete automotive probably refers to the complete automotive history or record.


Where is flasher relay on 1996 gmc sonoma?

The flasher relays are in the back of the glove compartment. They are behind a piece of plastic labeled "Relay Access" You will need to use a screwdriver to pry the bottom tabs of the plastic to pull it out. You will see three small black cubes. Those are your flasher relays. They are a standard-type relay that should only cost a few dollars at an automotive parts store.


How do you wire a 12 volt automotive relay?

there should be a diagram on the side of the relay with the pin numbers and some symbols. the pins that are on the coil or control side can be wired power and ground. this generally goes through a switch. the load side has a small gate looking symbol these can be wired power and ground either way and this is the side that you connect to whatever you are powering on. make sure to use a fuse on this circuit on the power lead.


Where is TRW Automotive headquartered?

The TRW Automotive headquarters is located in Livonia, Michigan, USA. TRW Automotive is a leader in automotive safety. It is the world's largest automotive supplier and one of the top financial performers in the industry.