A Brief Introduction to Automotive Relay Panels
An automotive relay panel is one of the most essential components of a wire harness within a vehicle. The wires in an electrical circuit act as the paths for the transmitted electrical currents in different parts of the vehicle. Automotive switches and relays are often operated by electromagnets, which are responsible for blocking or switching the power supply, thus deactivating and activating various functions of the car.
At present, most automotive companies pride themselves on
producing sophisticated vehicles with complex functions. These modern features
require more components and complex electrical systems which consist of
hundreds of parts that work together to provide the necessary functions to
operate the automobile.
As aforementioned, the main function of an automotive relay
panel is to act as a power switch for the electrical system of the vehicle. The
electromagnetic device that mechanically makes or breaks the electrical
connection is considered the most fundamental part of an automotive relay
panel.
These electromagnetic devices utilize metal contacts that
let electricity flow when touching each other and at the same time break the
flow of electricity when detached. Automotive relays also come in various
shapes and sizes which cater to different types of applications.
Types of Automotive Relays
Automotive relays come in different shapes and sizes
depending on the function. Knowing the different kinds of relays can help you
determine what is right for your car’s electrical system.
1.Change over relays
As the most common type of automotive relay, these have five
pins that can function as normally open, normally closed, or change over
relays.
1. Normally
open relays
2. Potted
relays
3. Flasher
relays
• Thermal
flasher
• Electro-mechanical
flasher
• LED
Flashers
• Wig-wag
flashers
1. Skirted
relays
2. Time
delay relays
3. Dual open
contact relays
The Benefits of Installing Good-Quality Automotive Relay
Panels
Since automotive relays come in different types, it’s also
important to choose wisely when it comes to quality. Installing an automotive
relay panel can come with numerous benefits such as the ones listed below.
• Provides
a smooth transition from low current to high.
• Installing
a good quality relay panel can allow you to smoothly switch from low to high
current without any risk of overloading the circuit.
• Multi-tasks
using a single switch.
• A
reliable automotive relay panel can allow you to break or continue multiple
circuits to perform different functions within one signal input.
• Cost-efficient.
• Understandably,
components that require higher currents are more expensive than those that
require components of lower currents. Installing an automotive relay panel
allows you to limit the installation by utilizing only what is necessary.
• Can come
with modern logical functions.
• Most modern
automotive car relays utilize logical functions to perform simple modern
technological features. It’s also easier and cheaper to install compared to
programmable logical functions.
Overview
For many car enthusiasts, building a vehicle from the ground
up is a common hobby. This includes the entire electrical system that runs
throughout the vehicle. Having the proper knowledge when it comes to installing
an automotive relay panel can be beneficial to the integrity of the electrical
system as a whole.