By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 08:00 am: Edit

I mean, can I run a whole bunch of them from one small fuse-takeoff?

And do they use current when 'on' or do they switch on and then go to sleep without current?

Dean

ps I'm using the Radio Shack 30 amp auto relays.

By John Liebson on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 08:33 am: Edit

The coil of a relay does not take much current--that is the main reason for using one.

I don't have any specification sheets here at home, so I cannot post actual amperages, but, yes, you can run a "whole bunch of them" from a single pick-off point.

Once the coil is energized, it stays energized until you turn off its circuit.

By JEEPETR on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 08:42 am: Edit

Hey Dean,

The Low current leads to a relay run very low currents, maybe an amp, probably less. All they do is energize a coil (electro Magnet) that pulls the two contact points of the switch together, energizing your Circuit. While this circuit is energized, it is required that current be supplied to this coil, otherwise the coil will loss its magnetic draw, and the circuit will be broken. So no, it does not "go to sleep" after the circuit is activated. And Yes, you should be able to run several "control" wires to the relays off of one fused circuit.

~Scott T.
'95 D-90 (JEEPETR)
'96 Discovery (5-Speed)

By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 09:25 am: Edit

Great-just what I wanted to hear. Thanks
Dean

By John Liebson on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 08:41 am: Edit

A NTE 40 amp 12-volt automotive relay, a very common relay, has a coil current of approximately .13 amps.

By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 09:55 am: Edit

Even better! I have 5 running off the 10 amp fuse for the parking lights. So now I can sleep at night again

Thanks

Dean