This is a dumb question and I think I already have the answer but googlebox doesn't search this very well.
If I am currently using relay A:
is it interchangeable with relay B?:
I did some googling and all I can find out is that the resistor allows current flow through and protects against voltage spikes. So in theory it should be an 'upgrade' over relay type A. Considering it has the same 4 pin layout/schematic otherwise. IE: Interchangeable.
Yep should be fine. If you have a borderline-failing switch though, this kind of relay will find it for you. That's a confusing problem to diagnose I just learned about yesterday.
That resistor is functioning as a supresser, it is required in more sophisticated electrical devices. It dampens spikes and electrical noise Caused by the energization and de-energization of the coil.
It's also possible that illustration a has one, and it's just not on the drawing.
I would check the resistance across the coil terminals of both. As long as there is not a gigantic difference in the resistance reading I would consider them interchangeable.
GameboyRMH wrote: Yep should be fine. If you have a borderline-failing switch though, this kind of relay will find it for you. That's a confusing problem to diagnose I just learned about yesterday.
It is the sort of thing any good pinball machine repairman understands well.
Also, something that is a diode as well and not just a resistor, and as a result the polarity for the coil is important. Generally not an issue with factory relay sockets, but when regular folks wire up relays they seldom worry about which coil terminal is pos or neg.
HappyAndy wrote: That resistor is functioning as a supresser, it is required in more sophisticated electrical devices. It dampens spikes and electrical noise Caused by the energization and de-energization of the coil. It's also possible that illustration a has one, and it's just not on the drawing. I would check the resistance across the coil terminals of both. As long as there is not a gigantic difference in the resistance reading I would consider them interchangeable.
No that's the circuit not the illustration. About ready to make an order with the local electrical supply store and I just need to google the right image for what I needed since I have their paper catalog. However I don't have any sophisticated electrical devices on my car.
I'm wondering if the one with the resistor is rated to be energized for long periods of time, i.e. how much heat is it putting off.
Knowing what you're trying to do would be helpful.
re wire/clean up my auxillary wiring for the rx7.
5 relays
just kind of tidy it up rather than a bunch of E36 M3 everywhere.
Kenny_McCormic wrote: I'm wondering if the one with the resistor is rated to be energized for long periods of time, i.e. how much heat is it putting off. Knowing what you're trying to do would be helpful.
Shouldn't have a heat problem with it. The coil should be lower resistance than the resistor, so looking at it as a parallel circuit, you're not seeing much current there. It's more for the reverse-spike of voltage when the un-powered coil gets inductive voltage blown through it. I prefer the diode-protected ones myself, but it's really a wash. Unless you're driving the relay with a transistor-controlled circuit, you probably don't need any kind of suppression.
In reply to gearheadE30:
Nope, just ground side switching the relay with a toggle to operate the circuit. I just cant seem to find relays with an integral mounting bracket that don't have a resistor/diode. But I think I'm going a different more effective and cheaper solution.
fidelity101 wrote: re wire/clean up my auxillary wiring for the rx7. 5 relays 1. 1 electric fan 2. 2 HID Ballasts 3. 2 HB bulb+HB shade solenoids 4. rally boobs - 2 fogs 5. rally boobs - 2 spots just kind of tidy it up rather than a bunch of E36 M3 everywhere.
That's great as it is, I wouldn't change it. You could get away with running all your rally lights on one relay, but that's a lot of eggs in one basket.
nope. each of those circuits has a relay. but after pricing out making my own box, I came to the conclusion this is cheaper and cleaner:
http://www.waytekwire.com/item/46343/MINI-FUSE-AND-MICRO-RELAY-RTMR/
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