How are relays used in the automotive industry?

They employ an electromagnet device to mechanically manoeuvre a switch to make or break an electrical circuit. The type of relay most frequently used in the automotive industry is the small cube shaped unit known as a standard relay or a mini relay.

How is a normally closed relay ( NC ) switched?

The reverse is true for a normally closed, (NC), relay. A normally closed relay at rest has a closed contact. Typically the relay is switched manually using push or toggle switch – an everyday example of this is the car ignition switch used to start the engine.

What should I do if my relay has failed?

Turn the ignition to the “ON” position and jump terminals 87 and 30 the relay is now jumped and the accessory should activate, if so the relay has failed. If no power is observed at either 87 or 30, the fusible link or maxi fuse has shorted.

How to test an automotive relay-2carpros?

Use the test light grounded to check for power, and then switch the test light lead to the power side of the battery to check for circuit ground. Step 13 – Next, use a piece of wire automotive wire (20 to 16 gauge) and strip both ends exposing the copper wire.

What are the basic principles of a relay?

RELAY OPERATION All relays operate using the same basic principle. Our example will use a commonly used 4 – pin relay. Relays have two circuits: A control circuit (shown in GREEN) and a load circuit (shown in RED). The control circuit has a small control coil while the load circuit has a switch. The coil controls the operation of the switch.

Where does the current go in a 5 pin relay?

Current splits inside the relay, supplying power to both the control and load circuits. A 5-PIN relay has a single control circuit, but two separate current paths for the switch: One when the relay is de-energized (OFF – no current through the control coil) and the other the energized (ON – current is flowing through the control coil).

What do you need to know about ISO relays?

ISO relays were designed to try and standardize relay connections, making it easier to test and design systems. ISO relays are currently used by almost all automotive manufacturers today. Both 4 and 5 pin designs are used in both standard mini and micro sizes. FYI: ISO is short for International Standard Organization.