Auto Electric

October 27 2015

How Resistance Effects the Auto Electric System

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair auto electric, auto electric relay repair, auto headlight restoration, auto repair in orlando, auto repair in orlando florida, Auto Repair Orlando Florida, Full Service, How Resistance Effects the Auto Electric System, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, resistance

Pops Auto Electric Explains the Effects of Resistance in an Auto Electric System

Resistance (R) in the Ohm’s law equation is what the electricity works against in an electrical circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). Resistance can come in many forms, some good, some not so good.

Every electrical circuit needs some form of resistance. If not, you have a short circuit, and we know what happens if we have one of those. Resistance can be as simple as a light bulb or as complex as a PCM. Both create a certain amount of resistance that is accounted for in its circuit.

A few key things can affect resistance:

One is heat; the higher the temperature, the higher the resistance. The reason for this is that a heated substance has a lot of molecular movement, which affects electron flow. The harder it is for electrons to flow, the more resistance you have. That’s the layman’s definition of resistance.

Distance can also affect resistance; the longer a wire is, the more resistance it has. Think back to our car with a tank of gas. We’re going to use more gas the farther we have to travel to get back to the negative battery post. The size or amount of conductive material that the electricity passes through can also affect resistance. A wide-open path with a very conductive material has little resistance. Conversely, a small wire with a not-so-conductive material has more resistance.

The takeaway here is that resistance can be good or bad depending on where you find it. You need the resistance of the load of an electric circuit in order for the circuit to function, but if you have unwanted resistance, the circuit will not function as intended.

Testing Resistance

Checking a circuit’s resistance over a voltage drop test can be risky for an amateur. The main reason is because when you’re doing a voltage drop test, you get to see what’s happening on a live circuit. Resistance checks are done on open circuits that are isolated from the rest of the circuit.

When doing resistance checks, you must remove what you’re checking from the circuit first in order to do your resistance check; otherwise, you might damage the circuit or your meter. It’s for that reason that resistance tests are found to be inconclusive sometimes. Sure, there are times when testing resistance is the only way to test a circuit within the auto electric system, but when diagnosing a problem in a circuit, a voltage drop test is best for the amateur.

Case in point: ignition coil testing. Manufacturers list the resistance that should be seen at the primary and secondary windings of an ignition coil. It is difficult at best to find a bad ignition coil this way.

Electrical engineers have found a coil can have good resistance readings and still be bad. The reason for this is that the windings inside the coil are made of very thin wire. You can have a small break in this wire and the resistance will still indicate everything is fine, but the minute the coil is under load, it fails because of the open or short in the windings.

On the other hand, if checking a coolant temp sensor, resistance testing is the way to go. Be sure to use resistance checks wisely when trying to find the effects of resistance in an auto electric system. Why not call Pop’s Auto Electric and solve auto electric system problem with the industry experts. There is a reason that other shops send electrical problems to Pop’s Auto Electric.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

October 27 2015

Automotive Electrical Problems; How do Amperes Work

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, amps, amps and autos, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Pops Auto Electric, Explains the Ups and Downs of Amperes

Amperes

Amperes, amps, or current is the measure of the flow of electricity through a given circuit, and vital in diagnosing automotive electrical problems. It’s the (I) in the Ohm’s law equation above. Amps are different than voltage in that amps are the same throughout the entire circuit, unlike voltage, which starts out high then drops to zero when it reaches the negative battery post. Amps are the same at the beginning and the end of a circuit. If you have five amps at the beginning of the circuit, you’ll have five amps at the end of the circuit.

To continue with our automotive analogy, we’ll equate amps to speed. The higher the amps, the faster the speed. The number of amps a circuit uses is dictated by the load and the resistance in the circuit. The bigger the load, the more amps a circuit will use. A starter motor will use a lot more amps than a window motor because the window motor will not need as many amps to run as a starter motor would. This next fact about amps gets a little weird. The lower the resistance in a circuit, the higher the amp flow.

Sticking with our speed analogy, the more amps you have in a circuit, the faster things flow. Remember in the first blog we stated that if you had a short circuit you’d blow fuses and possibly burn things up? That was talking about amps.

If you have unrestricted electron flow with no load, amps get out of control. It’s like a speeding locomotive that goes off the track. Something is going to break. With automotive electrical problems, it’s usually the weakest link, which should be the fuse. Ever notice how fuses are rated in amps, not voltage? Now you know why.

One last little factoid about amps: You can have high voltage in a circuit and it won’t be that harmful to you. It’ll wake you up for sure, but it won’t kill you. However, if you have just a few amps to go with that high voltage, watch out. As little as 0.2 amps mixed with the right amount of voltage can kill you.

In fact, it might even be less than that depending on the circumstances. It’s not the voltage that hurts you; it’s the amps. It doesn’t take too many amps to knock you on your butt, so be extra careful when dealing with amps. This is why, if you don’t fully understand automotive electric problems, leave it to the professionals, call Pops Auto Electric now. To use another common analogy, if volts are pressure, amps are intensity or volume. You can have lots of pressure, but when you add intensity, things can get lively.

Ampere Testing

Professionals don’t often do amp testing when dealing with automotive circuits, other than when performing a parasitic draw test. There are two ways you can test amps in an automotive circuit when diagnosing automotive electrical problems. The first is with an inductive amp meter.

This is a tool that measures the magnetic field around a wire. The circuit has to be live for this to work. Say you’re looking to test the amps going to the starter via the positive battery cable. Place your amp meter around the positive battery cable and engage the starter to take your reading. You won’t get a reading if you’re not cranking the starter.

The other way to measure amps is by tying into the circuit directly, or tying in ‘series’. This means you open the circuit somewhere and insert your amp meter. All the amps in the circuit need to flow through your meter in order to test this way.

This can be tricky, and many a DVOM has suffered from improper amp testing. Don’t worry; most of them are fused, so if you mess up, hopefully you’ll be able to replace a fuse and be back in business. So to be safe when checking high amp circuits, use an inductive lead instead of connecting in series, or simply make an appointment with Pops Auto Electric and avoid problems. Remember, be careful when dealing with amps.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

September 23 2015

Automotive Electric Basics: Voltage and Ohm’s Law

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto electric, automotive electric, Ohm's Law, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Voltage, Amps, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law from the Automotive Electric Masters; Pop’s Auto Electric

Knowing how to measure electric is key to understanding how automotive electric works. Electricity is not something we can necessarily see and put our hands on. Because of that, there are standard ways of measuring and using electricity. Georg Ohm was one of the people who developed the standards we use today. He came up with what is now called Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law is written like this:

IVR

I = Current Flow or Amps

V = Voltage

R = Resistance

What Ohm gave us this formula which says; amps, voltage, and resistance are interrelated. If you know two of the three in the equation, you can figure out the value of the missing one. If you know the volts and the resistance, you can divide the volts by the resistance and find out how many amps are flowing through the circuit. It’s a handy formula that can give a better understanding of how electricity really works.

Voltage

Voltage (V) is the potential energy of electricity. Voltage can be present even if there is no current flow. For example, your battery can have 12 volts in it even if it’s not being used. That 12 volts is still there, waiting to be used, and is the battery’s potential. Think of battery voltage like you think of a full tank of gas; it can get you somewhere, but not until you start the engine and begin to use it.

One really interesting thing about voltage is that in an electrical circuit, all of the voltage the electrical circuit started with is used up when traveling through the circuit. For example, if you start with 12 volts at the battery positive and you run it through a circuit, by the time it goes through the load and reaches the negative battery post to complete the circuit, it’s down to zero volts.

Why is this useful? Because it allows us to do one of the best tests in automotive electric diagnostics: the voltage drop.

Voltage Drop Testing

Voltage drop testing is probably the best way to find an electrical fault. Because the voltage drops as it travels through the circuit, we can tell where it’s being used simply by measuring the voltage at different points in the circuit.

Think of a car that leaves the positive battery post with just enough gas to work the load and get to the negative battery post. By the time the car reaches the negative battery post, it runs out of gas and that’s it. That’s how voltage works; it starts at its highest level at the positive battery terminal and ends up at zero when it reaches the negative battery terminal.

Now, what if somewhere in the circuit, our car take a detour and goes down a different road and the car decides not to take the road (circuit) all the way back to battery negative. We call this a short circuit. When this happens, we often blow fuses and sometimes melt or burn up parts. This is because of the unrestricted amp flow that occurs during a short circuit.

What if our car encounters an obstruction in the road (circuit) and we use more gas getting through the obstruction on our way back to battery negative. The theoretical car still make it back to battery negative, but since we used so much fuel (voltage) getting through the resistance and the load, there’s hardly any fuel left to do any work.

This is what happens when we have increased resistance in an automotive electric circuit. If that’s the case with, say, a window motor, the window motor will still work; it will just work very slowly. Why? Because of the increased resistance we had to go through to get back to battery negative. We ended up using almost all our fuel (voltage) overcoming the resistance in the circuit. Less fuel (voltage) means there isn’t enough to run the window motor at full capacity.

If we did a voltage drop test following the path of the automotive electric circuit, we could see where the fuel (voltage) was being used. We should see the biggest drop across the load of the circuit, which, in the case of a window motor, is the window motor.

While the circuit is operational, we can check the voltage before and after the motor. Voltage drops need to be done on a live circuit; if they’re not active, you won’t get any readings. Remember that voltage is electricity’s potential energy; if it’s not being used, it’s just potential.

Before the motor, we should see something close to the 12V we started with. We won’t see the full 12V because we had to use some of the gas (voltage) to get through the wires, and probably switches, going to the motor itself. These things give us a little resistance that we need to account for when checking the automotive electric voltage before the motor. After the motor, however, we should see some pretty low voltage, because we used all our gas (voltage) to run the motor.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

September 23 2015

Automotive Electrical Issues Explained; Pop’s Auto Electric Shares the Secrets

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto electric, auto electric central florida, auto electric orlando, automotive trouble lights, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

The Secrets of Auto Electric Explained by the Experts

Electrical issues are a mystery to many auto owners; it is even perplexing to many auto mechanics. At Pop’s Auto Electric in Orlando Florida, we think it’s because you really can’t see or touch electricity in the same way you can with other working components on your vehicle.

It is true that we can see the effects of electricity, or the lack of effect in the case of a failure, but we can’t necessarily put our hands on it like we can with other vehicle components that might fail. For that reason, we need to have a basic understanding of electricity, auto electric and how it works in automotive systems.

The Basics of Auto Electricity
Electricity is the flow of electrons within a conductor. You can get these moving electrons to do things for you in automotive systems, such as starting your engine, charging your phone, controlling vehicle emissions, and opening your windows.

Electrical systems are everywhere in modern automobiles. Having a basic understanding of how electricity works can go a long way toward helping you understand what repairs need to be made within your automotive electrical systems.

The first thing we will explain is the flow of electricity. For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to say that electricity flows from positive to negative. Yes, there are other theories on electron flow, but to keep things simple we’re going to stick with electrons flowing from positive to negative.

To get this electricity to flow and go where we want it to flow, automotive manufacturers use conductors. Conductors are materials that allow electrons to flow freely. Resistors are materials that inhibit electron flow.

We use resistors to insulate our conductors so we keep the electricity flowing where we want it to go. Electricity is funny like that; if you let it, it will find the shortest route to ground, which might happen before you want it to. Professional installers like Pop’s Auto Electric of Central Florida keep this from happening.

Then there are semiconductors: transistors, resistors, and diodes, just to name a few. We use these to help control things in automotive electrical systems. Semiconductors can allow electron flow sometimes but not others. They can block electron flow in one direction, but allow it to flow in the other direction.

They can also be used to change the resistance of a circuit based on temperature. Semiconductors are used extensively in computers and control systems. As a result, you run into a lot of semiconductors in automotive applications.

Another big component of an electrical circuit is the load. The load is what does the work in an electrical circuit. The load can be a lot of things. It can be a motor, a heating element, a bulb, or any number of other electrical components that do work. The load and the resistance in the circuit dictate the amount of current flow in the circuit.

Aside from the wires that carry electricity and the wiring insulation that keeps the electricity on the path we want it to take, we also need the ability to control a circuit. We often do this with switches. Switches come in all shapes and sizes. They can be switches that we activate, or they can be activated automatically when certain conditions are met; they can also turn things off at a given time.

This is a very basic overview of what you’ll find in automotive electrical systems. If any one of the thousands of components and wires has a fault, the automobile may simply stop, malfunction or worse become a danger to the driver and passenger.

At Pop’s Auto Electric in Orlando Florida, we are known as experts in the field of auto electric. In fact many shops in the area send their auto electric problems to us for diagnosis and repair. You don’t want to fiddle around with auto electric, take the problem to the acknowledged experts in the field, trust you auto electric problems to no other than Pop’s Auto Electric of Central Florida!

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the brake system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those brakes!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

January 14 2015

Automotive Trouble Lights; Help from Pops Auto Electric

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto AC repair in Orlando, auto electric relay repair, auto trouble lights, automotive trouble lights, automotive warning lights, car warning lights, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, warning lights, when and how to replace the serpentine belt from Pops Auto Electric Central Florida

Pops Auto Electric & AC Make Sense Out of Automotive Trouble Lights

Automotive trouble lights or dash lights have been around for many years, but the messages are different colors shapes, sizes – just what do they mean? The following list of warning lights (automotive trouble lights) are the most common lights used by auto manufacturers. Not all automotive trouble lights are universal. Always refer to your owner’s manual when you’re not 100% sure what the light indicates.

Many automotive trouble lights indicate that a fault has occurred inside the vehicle’s system, but it doesn’t pinpoint the item or system that has failed. In these cases, a code reader or scan tool can help determine the part that needs to be replaced. If an automotive trouble light on your dash is on, visit Pops Auto Electric & AC to get the best information to help keep your vehicle running in top condition.

Check Engine or Malfunction automotive trouble light (MIL):

Indicates the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool. Learn the top five reasons why your check engine light is illuminated.

Battery/Charging Alert:

Indicates voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle’s charging system is not functioning properly. Check battery terminals, alternator belt, and battery condition.

Coolant Temp Warning:

This automotive trouble light indicates temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.

Transmission Temperature:

Transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature as transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.

Oil Pressure Warning:

If this automotive trouble light stays lit, it indicates loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.

Oil Change Reminder:

Indicates that oil life has expired. This is monitored by the ECM; the interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to reset the automotive trouble light.

Service Vehicle Soon:

Typically indicates a lighting or other electrical problem that is controlled by the BCM (body control module). Check all lights (head lights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights). This symbol may also be used to warn driver of a traction control problem, or a communication problem between modules.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System):

If your car is equipped with tire sensors this automotive trouble light indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check tire pressure. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of TPMS warning light and others will require professional diagnosis. Refer to owner’s manual.

Brake System Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates one of three possible conditions: parking brake is on; problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low, or ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.

Reduced Power Warning:

Indicates Engine Computer has limited engine power output. The ECM has many levels of reduced power depending on what component has failed in its control system. Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.

ABS Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates that the Anti-lock Brake computer has set a code and needs professional diagnosis.

Gas Cap:

The check gas cap automotive trouble light indicates that the gas cap is not tightened properly. If not addressed, quite often the Check Engine Light will also illuminate.

Cruise Control:

Indicates that cruise control is set during driving.

ESP Fault:

Indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system.

Security Alert automotive trouble light warning system:

If the symbol lights momentarily it may mean that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to re-start. If the symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system.

Lamp Out:

Indicates that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly.

Traction Control or ESP:

Illuminates when the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system is in use. This automotive trouble light is usually an indicator that conditions are slippery.

Door Ajar:

Indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including hood and trunk. If vehicle is left in this condition overnight it can drain the battery.

Overdrive Light:

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.

Airbag Fault:

If this automotive trouble light stays illuminated after starting, it indicates that the vehicle has found a fault in the airbag system and the computer has set a code. Professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.

Washer Fluid Reminder:

Indicates washer fluid is low. Fill washer fluid reservoir. The cap has a symbol that looks like a windshield. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.

Fog Lamp:

Indicates that the vehicle’s front fog lamps are illuminated.

One thing is for sure, if you have one of the automotive trouble lights shining, you are in danger of more serious damage to your car if you don’t get what every is indicated fixed. Contact a professional, contact Pops Auto Electric & AC now for assistance!

Pops-Deals!

July 24 2014

Automobile Alternator Concerns in Central Florida: 5 Things to Watch for

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto AC repair in Orlando, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, Auto Repair Orlando Florida, Full Service, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Automobile Alternator Concerns:

5 Things to Watch for in Central Florida

Have you seen a dash light come on and then headlights dim slightly when blinkers are on, how about a growling noise coming from under the hood. These could be signs of alternator problems, a very simple repair for a professional, but if unattended, can leave you stranded and at the mercy of whatever help happens to be in towing distance.

Here in Central Florida, Pops Auto Electric prides itself on superior service at very reasonable prices, and auto electric like the car’s alternator is a particular specialty. Wherever you are located in the world, find a trusted auto electric specialist like Pops Auto Electric here in Central Florida, because automobile alternators going bad can be a symptom of more complex auto electric problems.

Basically, when the engine is running, an automobile alternator, when functioning properly, provides all electric to the various needs of the automobile, from the operating of the spark plugs to lights, blinkers, radio, ac fan and charging the automobile battery. When you add after market electrical items like effect lighting or a high end speaker system, you must make sure the automobile alternator is rated to handle the extra load.

If you see dimming of lights, bad radio reception, and intermittent warning lights, this is not due to a failing battery, it is most likely a problem with your automobile alternator.

Here are the 5 signs of a failing or insufficient automobile alternator:

1) Warning Light: this light will be red usually and shaped like a battery or the letters ALT or GEN. This light comes on because of an automobile alternator problem or an electrical problem that is effecting the alternator’s ability to charge the battery. If you see this light on, and you are in Central Florida call 407 857 8597 for no cost advice or call a professional auto electric specialist in your area, immediately. This problem will not go away, the longer you wait the less choices you will have.

2) If your lights dim when the ac turns on or goes up and down slightly when the blinker is on, you have an electrical problem. Either the automobile alternator is failing or is insufficient to handle the power requirements of your mode of transportation, call for help before it is too late, the problem will not go away, it will get worse, and then the over strained or failing automobile alternator will simply fail all together.

3) Do you smell burning rubber, here a growling or wining sound, you may have waited too long, get to an auto electric specialist now! When an automobile alternator completely fails, it can seize, which stops the pulley of the serpentine belt (see Pops Auto Electric blog on Serpentine Belt on the previous page) and the belt will fail. If this happens, you are stuck wherever you are, do not attempt to drive the car with a broken serpentine belt, you will overheat and seize the engine. If this has happened to you, don’t worry, if you are in Central Florida call 407 857 8597 and Pops Auto Electric will come get you and fix your problems, you can depend on them.

4) If your car won’t start and you have a relatively new battery, a simple charge is probably not the answer; it is most likely an alternator or electric problem, go to an auto electric specialist in your area, this problem will not go away. If you left your lights on, a mistake we have all made, charge the battery, if the battery has gone dead for no apparent reason, it could be alternator, or improperly wired component, a short or any number of things only an auto electric specialist like Pops Auto Electric is qualified to diagnose.

5) If the battery goes dead but your alternator checks out OK, a professional like Pops Auto Electric, in Orlando Florida, can quickly and efficiently diagnose the problem. Don’t take chances; small electrical problems can lead to major life threatening automobile fires and life threatening situations. Automobile electric issues could mean you or your family may be injured, go to an auto electric specialist now.

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

April 7 2014

Auto Electric Relay Basics; Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida What is a Relay?

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, auto relay, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, Full Service, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

What is an Auto Electric Relay?

An auto electric relay is an electromechanical or electronic device through which a heavy load can be switched ON & OFF with a nominal input of current & voltage.

How does a relay work?

A heavy electrical load drawing heavy current can be switched on & off by applying a small amount of current through a coil (solenoid). The coil gets magnetized with the current and attracts or repels a plunger (a rod passed through the coil). The attracting or repelling of the plunger either connects two switching contacts in the auto electric relay (also known as NO or Normally Open/Single Throw/Form A) or separates them (NC or Normally Closed/Double Throw/Form C), as required. As soon as the electric source to the coil is stopped, the electro magnet ceases to function and the main contacts go back to their original position. In automobile applications, relays of different configurations with single or multiple contacts are used for different applications.

Why is an auto electric relay required?

Apart from switching a circuit with heavy load, on & off, a relay is required to 1. Conserve energy 2. Prolong the life of device 3. Improve the efficiency of a device. For example let us take the switching of two headlamps of an automobile. If the same is switched on through a normal switch at the dashboard, the voltage drop from the battery to the lamps through the switch will be enormous and the heat generated in the circuit due to resistance will be considerable. The heavy current will be drawn by the lamps which will not only heat the circuit but also drain the battery heavily.

To give an example of the effect of voltage drop, a chart is given below:

Operating Voltage. Luminous Intensity of a Lamp. 100% 100% 95% 83% 90% 67% 85% 53% To switch on a 12V-60/100 Watt Halogen lamp, a typical 12V Relay allows a voltage drop of only 0.02V and the coil current is only 2 milliamps. Another important function of the auto electric relay is quick switching off (0.05Sec Max.). The more time the contacts of a switch take to break at full load, the more spark will be generated due to the electromagnetic effect on contacts in a switched on state. Prolonged sparking will mean more wear of the contact points and the danger of contacts melting and generating a fire. International standards have very stringent auto electric relay specifications. The endurance of a relay is generally specified in millions of switching operations.

Where should an auto electric relay be installed?

Wherever manual switching has been used for direct switching of a Lamp or Motor or any gadget exceeding 10 Amps of load, a suitable relay must be put in the circuit. It is best if the relay can be kept as near as possible to the load (but not in a hot area surrounding near the engine) Some examples of auto electric relay use may be relays used between the owner operated window switch and the actual motor that moves the window up and down. Another example would be using an auto electric relay between the computer and the radiator fan or the A/C compressor. Also between the computer and the door locks, when the computer is programmed to lock the doors when the car goes in a forward gear.

How should a relay be installed?

1. Wires connected to the manual switch should be connected to any Coil terminal of the auto electric relay. 2. The load should be connected to any one contact terminal of the auto electric relay (unless Positive/Negative are specified) and the other to the positive terminal of the battery (for Negative Ground circuit), with an appropriate Fuse. There is an easier way to fix auto electric problems. Call Pops Auto Electric in Central Florida, they have been handling the hardest and most complicated auto electric problems for many years and they are the acknowledged experts in the field. Many other shops and dealerships come to Pops Auto Electric when a really complicated electrical problem arises, because they are the best around. Auto electric relay problems are a snap with Pops Auto Electric, call today:

Call Pops Auto Electric now and put your mind at ease!

407-857-8579

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC 4704 S. Orange Ave Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579 407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535