[AT] What is a Relay?

[Bigdog]

Ricky,
    A relay is a switch which uses a low power circuit to control a high power circuit.   The relay is an electromagnetic switch which uses a low current (in this case) circuit to pull in the contacts which closes the switch in a high current circuit (the lights)  The control circuit (light switch) is low power which does not require heavy wiring to provide power to the relay coil.  The switch circuit is heavy duty for higher current ratings that the lights require.  
    Simply stated, it is a small switch controlling a big switch.

Bigdog
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ricky Prescott 
  To: Antique tractor email discussion group 
  Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 10:03 AM
  Subject: [AT] What is a Relay?


  How does a Relay switch work?  My lights on my truck went out.  It burned up the plug that goes into the switch.  I rewired it. My Mechanic said I need to install a relay so when I hook up my trailer lights it won't burn up the plug again.  I am wondering what I need.  The wiring in the  old dodge is not heavy enough to handle all the amps the trailer lights draw.  I hope I made this clear.  Thanks, Ricky 
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