How is a relay activated?

In a normally open relay, power flows through an input circuit, activating an electromagnet. This generates a magnetic field that attracts a contact to join with the second, larger circuit, allowing current to flow through.

Does a relay require power?

If the required operating voltage is supplied to the relay, the relay is activated. The operating voltage of a relay is generally in DC. Small signal relays and low voltage power relays are usually in DC, but mains control relays and contactors quite frequently have AC coils.

How much power does a 12V relay consume?

If the relay is powered with a 12V battery, it will take 1.1Ah from the battery @ 45mA in 24 hours, or just 0.4Ah @ 16mA over the same period.

How much current does a 12V relay need?

The current draw of the coil is not normally shown but is typically 150-200 mA with a corresponding coil resistance of around 80-60 W. Tip: Knowing the coil resistance is useful when testing the relay for a fault with a multi-meter.

How many amps does it take to activate a 12 volt relay?

The current draw of the coil is not normally shown but is typically 150-200 mA with a corresponding coil resistance of around 80-60 W.

Will a 12v relay work with 18v?

1 Answer. The 18VDC refers to the coil drive voltage. If you just replace an 18 volt relay with a 12 volt relay, the coil will get 50\% more voltage than it is rated for, and may (will) overheat.

How a relay works 12V?

Relays install between the power source and the electrical accessory requiring on/off power. When the relay is energized, the high current to operate the accessory flows from the power source, through the relay, and directly to the part.

How much power does a 12v relay consume?

How many amps does a relay use?

Your relay is switched by voltage, not amps. A relay is rated by how many amps it will handle. For example 12VDC/10amps showing a coil voltage of 12 volts DC and handling 10amps. To energize the coil to make contact 30 connect with 87 it took a minimum of 6.6 volts with 0.08A to make it “click” closed.

What voltage does a 12V relay need to work?

The nominal voltage of a 12V relay is 12V, so 80\% of this is 12 x 0.8 = 9.6V. So in theory, this relay should activate at 9.6V. But what about in reality? In the video below, I’m going to conduct this test using our Electromag pracbox that has this relay. How much voltage does a 12V relay need to work?

What is the minimum current and load for a relay?

This is the minimum current, the relay expects to flow through the now shorted contacts when the relay is turned on (40 mA). The load can be less than that too but relay might not live enough for number of cycles of operation mentioned in the data sheet. Minimum operating voltage for your specific relay is 3.75 V.

What should I look for when using a 5A relay?

If you are switching AC Devices, Make Sure the AC Watts of the Device you are Switching DOES NOT Exceed 1,250 when using a 5A Relay. If you are switching DC Devices, Make Sure the DC Watts of the Device you are Switching DOES NOT Exceed 120 when using a 5A Relay. Resistive and Inductive Loads