Relay Purpose ... ?

FIRE UP wrote:

2ndhom wrote:
I frequently read "check your relay" in threads here on the rvnet. I've read several Google explainations and still don't understand their function. In very simple layman terms ...... could someone explain? In my electrical bay they all look the same. Are they? Thanks.

2ndhom,
Dale did a good, but technical job of explaining the function of a "relay". Well, in short, a relay does, just what the name implies. It "RELAYS" electricity from one point to another. It's nothing but a large switch. And, what you do, as Dale said, is use a small switch, to control, A LARGE SWITCH.

Many components need more power to operate efficiently or correctly. And, that means there's a need for larger wire to carry the current needed for those components. And, that also means a large type switch, to be able to handle switching such loads, on and off without damage to the switch. So, that switch, or "relay", is typically located under the hood or, any other place other than under the dash in the drivers compartment.

Then, there's a tiny switch, on or in your dash, that controls, that relay which, controls the larger current etc. to operate whatever high demand item it requested. Hope his and my explanation helps some.
Scott