An automotive relay is a type of switch that is attached to a car and activates or deactivates the vehicle's high-current actuators. These relays can be used in a number of applications, including headlights, trafficator lights, dashboard indicator lights, and the engine fan.Automotive relays can be located in a variety of locations. Some of the most common places for these relays are underneath the dash of the vehicle, behind kick panels, and in the engine compartment. They are commonly available in plug-in and non-plug-in designs.
As the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles continues to increase, the demand for automotive relays is also rising. Electric and hybrid vehicle sales have increased significantly. In addition to the need for more and more relays, manufacturers are installing more fuses and fuses boxes in the vehicle.While there are various types of automotive relays, the most important component is the contact. Contact reliability is affected by a number of factors, including environmental conditions, contact voltage, and on-off ratio. The load type affects the life of the contact as well.
When an automotive relay is powered, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field then triggers an armature, which is held in a frame.The armature is pulled up by a tension spring, which is connected to a hinge. If the coil is not energized, the spring pulls the armature back into a 'at rest' position.The coil of an automotive relay is made of copper and iron. It is insulated from the chassis with a braided bonding strap.