Understanding Types and How to Install Car Light Relays
The relay in vehicle lights plays a role in ensuring that the vehicle lights turn on properly and produce sufficiently bright light. As a result, drivers can see in dark areas while also signaling to other drivers.
To ensure the lights turn on perfectly, it is important to know the types and correct installation methods of light relays. Here is the review.
Understanding Types of Vehicle Light Relays
You should know that all relays in motor vehicles have almost similar functions to each other, as does the electrical circuit in car lights.
However, if viewed more specifically, there are at least 3 functions of relays in car lights that are rarely known by vehicle owners.
The first function is as a switch that can connect or disconnect a large current load using a small power current.
The second function is to secure the electrical circuit in the vehicle lights. The last function is to help extend the switch and light switch of the vehicle.
Before understanding how to install vehicle light relays correctly, it is important to first know the various types.
Vehicle light relays are divided into two, namely relays based on their initial position and relays based on the number of throws or poles. These two types of relays are further divided into several types.
To aid understanding, let’s first discuss the types of relays based on their initial position. This type of relay is divided into two types consisting of normally closed relay (NC) and normally open relay (NO). NC is a relay condition that will be in a connected or closed position before being activated.
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In contrast to the normally open relay, which is the opposite of NC. Because the relay will be in a disconnected or open position before it is active.
Meanwhile, relays based on the number of throws or poles are divided into 4 different types, making it important to understand how to install car light relays correctly for optimal function.
The four types of relays based on the number of throws or poles consist of single pole single throw relay (SPST), single pole double throw relay (SPDT), double pole double throw relay (DPDT), and double pole single throw relay (DPST). Just by hearing their names, you can understand that each type has its own advantages.
How to Install a Relay in Vehicle Lights
After understanding the types and functions, it is now time to try installing it in your beloved car. However, you should know that the installation method of a relay in car lights is not the same as installing a relay in a motorcycle.
First, prepare a new and quality relay to replace the old or worn-out relay. Next, remove the old relay, then connect the positive battery terminal to the vehicle relay using a cable that has been attached to the connector or terminal.
Then try connecting pin 87 of the vehicle relay to one of the terminals using the available cable. Make sure one cable on the other light is connected to the ground or negative battery terminal.
In the next step, you need to connect pin 86 of the relay to the ground. Meanwhile, the last pin or relay pin 85 can be connected to the light switch that you intend to use.
If you find it difficult, do not hesitate to ask for help from a technician who is already skilled and understands how to install light relays correctly.
That is the review regarding the types and the correct way to install relays in vehicle lights. By following all the instructions provided, the relay can function optimally as desired. However, if you are afraid of making installation mistakes, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a professional technician.
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