12 Volt Relay

12v Relays : Types of Switch Contacts

The switch contacts present on a relay can be of two types; normally open and normally closed. When the coil is not energized and lacks an electric current, the designation of the switch contact can be normally open or normally closed. In a closed circuit, the current flows and the metal switch contacts are touching each other like when you switch on a light.

But, no current flows as such in the open position just like when the light switch is off in the houses. The relay can only be activated with the help of a power source operating at low amperage. The amount of amperage required to run the relay is only 1 amp. The 12 volt relay is required to stabilize the source of a power for running your electrical appliances smoothly.

12v DC Relays: Configuration System

The relays have different kinds of switch configurations in them. The switch configuration depends on the number of poles in a switch. There are many kinds of switch configurations like single pole and double pole. When the circuit gets closed upon hitting the switch a single time, it is known by the name of single pole single throw switch.

But variations can also exist in the number of throws like double-pole single-throw switch and a double pole double throw switch. The use of relays is quite important in circuits where they can be used to turn off and on a circuit required for running the equipment. For example, a 220 volts furnace located in the basement of a house makes use of this kind of a 12 volt relay.

The switch of this furnace is located upstairs but how to start it up. For this purpose only, the switch is connected to a 12 volt relay downstairs through a low voltage wire that starts it up.

As soon as the relay gets started, it can start up the circuit activating the furnace. This is great because nobody will have to move upstairs to start the furnace. The furnace will also keep on operating smoothly due to the presence of a relay.

A specific type of spike relay is discussed in the video below.

12 Volt DC Relays – Buying Considerations

When you have decided to buy a relay, just look at its voltage specifications. This will tell you the amount of amperage required to start it. This is usually 30 amperage. You can buy the relay from an online website which also has its specifications clearly listed for you.

If you're looking for more information on relays in general, check out the 'what is a relay' page.