Relays are an essential component of any air suspension system. They are responsible for controlling the flow of electrical power to the compressor, and ensure that it turns on and off at the appropriate times. One of the most popular relays on the market is the Viair 80 Amp relay. In this guide, we will take a closer look at Viair 80 Amp relay wiring diagrams, and provide you with everything you need to know about how to install them and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
What is a Viair 80 Amp Relay?
The Viair 80 Amp relay is a heavy-duty relay that is designed to handle high-powered air compressors that require up to 80 amps of power. It is commonly used in air suspension systems, but can also be used in other applications that require a high-powered relay.
How Does the Viair 80 Amp Relay Work?
The Viair 80 Amp relay works by opening and closing an electrical circuit. When you apply power to the relay, the coil inside the relay creates a magnetic field, which pulls a switch closed. This allows power to flow through the relay, and into the compressor, turning it on. When you remove power from the relay, the magnetic field dissipates, and the switch opens, cutting off power to the compressor and turning it off.
What are the Benefits of Using a Viair 80 Amp Relay?
There are several benefits to using a Viair 80 Amp relay in your air suspension system. First and foremost, it allows you to safely control the flow of power to your compressor, ensuring that it turns on and off at the appropriate times. Additionally, the Viair 80 Amp relay is built to last, and can handle the high-powered demands of even the most powerful air compressors.
How to Wire a Viair 80 Amp Relay
Wiring a Viair 80 Amp relay can seem daunting, but it is actually a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you wire your Viair 80 Amp relay:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, you will need the following tools:
- Soldering iron
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Heat shrink tubing
- Small screwdriver (for crimping)
Step 2: Prepare Your Wires
The next step is to prepare your wires. Start by cutting your wires to the desired length, and then strip the ends of each wire so that you have about 1/4 inch of bare wire exposed.
Step 3: Connect the Wires to the Relay
Next, you will need to connect your wires to the relay. There are 5 terminals on the Viair 80 Amp relay:
- Terminal 30: This is the power input terminal. Connect your power wire to this terminal.
- Terminal 85: This is the ground terminal for the relay’s coil. Connect your ground wire to this terminal.
- Terminal 86: This is the positive terminal for the relay’s coil. Connect your positive wire to this terminal.
- Terminal 87: This is the normally open terminal. Connect the wire that goes to your compressor to this terminal.
- Terminal 87a: This is the normally closed terminal. This terminal is not used in air suspension systems, so you can leave it unconnected.
Step 4: Secure Your Connections
Once your wires are connected to the relay, you will need to secure your connections. Start by twisting your wires together, and then use your soldering iron to melt solder on the twisted wires. Once the solder has cooled, cover the connection with electrical tape, and then slide a piece of heat shrink tubing over the connection. Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing around the connection, creating a secure and waterproof seal.
Step 5: Test Your Relay
Once your connections are secure, you can test your relay to make sure it is working properly. Apply power to the coil by connecting your positive wire to terminal 86 and your ground wire to terminal 85. You should hear a clicking sound as the relay energizes. If you do not hear a clicking sound, check your connections and make sure that your power source is working properly.
Common Issues and FAQs
What Causes a Relay to Fail?
There are several things that can cause a relay to fail, including:
- Excessive current draw
- Overheating
- Mechanical failure
How Can I Tell if My Viair 80 Amp Relay is Bad?
If your air suspension system is not working properly, it may be due to a bad Viair 80 Amp relay. Here are a few signs that your relay may be bad:
- The compressor does not turn on
- The compressor turns on, but does not turn off
- You hear a clicking sound coming from the relay, but the compressor does not turn on
How Can I Troubleshoot My Viair 80 Amp Relay?
If you suspect that your Viair 80 Amp relay is bad, here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
- Check your connections to make sure they are secure
- Check your power source to make sure it is working properly
- Test the relay to make sure it is working properly
- If you determine that the relay is bad, replace it with a new one
Conclusion
Wiring a Viair 80 Amp relay may seem intimidating, but it is actually a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. By understanding how relays work and how to troubleshoot common issues, you can ensure that your air suspension system is working properly and reliably. If you have any questions, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional for assistance.
