Relays have been used for many years in various industries. They are used to control high voltages or high currents using a low voltage source, like a switch. The 12-volt relay is a common type of relay that is used in many applications. It is an essential component of any electrical circuit that requires the switching of high currents or voltages.
What is a 12 Volt Relay?
A 12-volt relay is a switch that is activated by a low voltage signal. It is used to control high voltage or high current circuits with a low voltage source. The 12-volt relay is composed of two parts, the coil and the contacts. The coil is an electromagnet that is activated when a low voltage signal is applied to it. The contacts are the switch that is activated by the coil.
The 12-volt relay is used to control a variety of circuits, including lights, motors, and solenoids. It is commonly used in automotive applications to control accessories like fog lights, headlights, and horns.
How Does a 12 Volt Relay Work?
The 12-volt relay works by using the coil to create a magnetic field. When a low voltage signal is applied to the coil, it energizes the coil, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field then pulls the contacts together, closing the switch and allowing current to flow through the circuit.
When the low voltage signal is removed from the coil, the magnetic field collapses, and the contacts are opened, breaking the circuit. The 12-volt relay is designed to handle high currents and voltages, making it an ideal component for many applications.
Wiring a 12 Volt Relay
Wiring a 12-volt relay is a simple process. There are four terminals on a 12-volt relay, two for the coil and two for the contacts. The coil terminals are usually labeled as positive and negative, while the contact terminals are labeled as normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC).
The positive terminal of the coil is connected to a low voltage source, like a switch or a fuse. The negative terminal of the coil is connected to a ground source. When the switch is activated, it sends a low voltage signal to the coil, energizing it and closing the switch.
The NO and NC terminals are connected to the circuit that is being controlled. The NO terminal is connected to the positive side of the circuit, while the NC terminal is connected to the negative side of the circuit. When the switch is closed, the circuit is completed, and current flows through the circuit.
12 Volt Relay Wiring Diagram Accessory
Below is a typical 12-volt relay wiring diagram that can be used to control an accessory in a vehicle. This diagram shows the power source, the switch, the relay, and the accessory.
| Terminal | Function |
|---|---|
| 85 | Coil Negative |
| 86 | Coil Positive |
| 87 | Accessory Positive |
| 87a | Not Used |
| 30 | Battery Positive |
The power source is connected to terminal 30 of the relay, which is then connected to the battery. The switch is connected to the coil of the relay, with the positive side of the switch connected to terminal 86 and the negative side of the switch connected to ground.
The accessory is connected to terminal 87 of the relay, with the positive side of the accessory connected to terminal 87 and the negative side of the accessory connected to ground.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of a 12-volt relay?
A 12-volt relay is used to control high voltage or high current circuits with a low voltage source, like a switch. It is commonly used in automotive applications to control accessories like fog lights, headlights, and horns.
2. How many terminals are on a 12-volt relay?
A 12-volt relay typically has four terminals, two for the coil and two for the contacts. The coil terminals are usually labeled as positive and negative, while the contact terminals are labeled as normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC).
3. How does a 12-volt relay work?
The 12-volt relay works by using the coil to create a magnetic field. When a low voltage signal is applied to the coil, it energizes the coil, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field then pulls the contacts together, closing the switch and allowing current to flow through the circuit.
4. What is a 12-volt relay wiring diagram accessory?
A 12-volt relay wiring diagram accessory is a diagram that shows how to wire a 12-volt relay to control an accessory in a vehicle. It shows the power source, the switch, the relay, and the accessory.
5. What is the difference between a normally open and normally closed contact on a 12-volt relay?
A normally open (NO) contact is a contact that is open when the relay is not activated. A normally closed (NC) contact is a contact that is closed when the relay is not activated. When the relay is activated, the NO contact is closed, and the NC contact is open.
Overall, the 12-volt relay is an important component of many electrical circuits, particularly in automotive applications. It allows for the control of high currents and voltages using a low voltage source, like a switch. By understanding how to wire and use a 12-volt relay, you can create complex electrical systems that can be controlled with ease.
