Relays can also control multiple systems at once, such as activating headlights when windshield wipers are turned on, or extending an antenna when the radio is turned on. If you connected the lights directly to the on/off switch in the vehicle’s dash, the amperage could exceed the switch’s capacity, which can cause melting wires and even a fire in some cases. Relays act as a switch, allowing the low amperage circuit to turn the high amperage circuit on or off.Īs an example, imagine your vehicle’s headlights. They’re generally used to allow a low amperage circuit to control a higher amperage circuit. Relays can be found in nearly any vehicle, and are even used in marine and aviation applications. Vehicle System : Electrical What Is A Relay?
Estimated Time Needed: 30 minutes to an hour, depending on skill level and the relay location
