I'm going to pick up a few relays from ebay for various uses.
Link: HERE

When connecting a source to the coil (like the remote wire) do I have to use a resistor? do relays limit the amount of current to the coil? (does the one in the auction?) Other wise I think I'll need some heavy duty resistors... (I think the relay needs 1A to make contact? Hopefully I just read it wrong)

I plan to use these relays (I need around 7-10A relays) for my upcomming headlight replacement project, and I'll probably do the remote wire as well.


Thanks for the help.

 

i use a relay for my decks acc wire. i use 20amps on it.. not sure the max amps it can take... you light will only take the most amps that it needs. so if its 10amps well it will only use 10 amps.

i dont think you will need a resistor... never seen anyone use em for that purpose

 

I'm not talking about the switch part of the relay. I'm wondering about the coil, as in where the remote wire would connect to the relay. Does that need a resistor. Does the coil limit current to what is needed to make contact.


What do you have on your remote that draws 20A?

 

No, you don't need a resistor on the coil.
Ground on one side, switched 12V on the other.
Standard relays are good for 30amps, some are good for 40amps, all depends on what you need to turn on.
You only need about 25mA to turn on a relay.
Just be sure to fuse the power to the relay, and you should be good to go.

 

Nobody noticed that the link is for 5volt relays?

Be careful. And for headlights, use at least 20amp continuous duty relays.

 

Thanks dukk for pointing out that it is 5v relay. I over looked that. And thanks for the help from everyone.

I should be fine with a 7Amp relay. I'm installing a hid system which is 55w 55w/12v=4.58A. each relay will only power one of the two hid ballasts. Back to ebay for another relay

 

theres a nice writeup on relays here xxx.bcae1.com/ including talk about using resistors and diodes with them and why you might want to use one.. how the function, how to wire them, etc..
btw theres tons more info about other subjects relating to 12volts

have fun

 

im using it for my deck ACC wire so all i use is pure power from the battery bypassing the fuse box completly.. better SQ that way.. and you notice it right away

 

I knew how you where using it. I asked what you're using that requires 20amps.

 

I will try that also