Re: high amp switch
[Re: bonefish]
#1167223
01/28/12 02:08 PM
01/28/12 02:08 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260 New Mexico
Adobedude
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260
New Mexico
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What is the amp draw of wht your using the switch for and how far away from the switch?
I run relays for everything, but locate the relays close to what it's going to turn on. Fan and water pump up front, Fuel pump relay in the back...Everything else in the cab.
But I do know there are more than a few on here whom just use high amp switches...
2001 Dodge Dakota 408 All Motor 11.27 @ 117.83 mph 2017 NM Mopar Challenge Series Champion.
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Re: high amp switch
[Re: bonefish]
#1167224
01/28/12 05:29 PM
01/28/12 05:29 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,447 So Cal
Sinitro
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,447
So Cal
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Quote:
i use a 30 amp or bigger toggle switch is it still necassary to run a relay?
Not necessary for just switching a relay.. As the relay is doing the heavy lifting, a 5A rating is more than enough just for the toggle switch..
Just my $0.02...
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Re: high amp switch
[Re: bonefish]
#1167232
01/31/12 08:03 PM
01/31/12 08:03 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
Master
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Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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Quote:
i want to run a seperate switch for each item witout a relay.
The problem doing it without relays is you have to run large wire from the switch all the way to the item being powered... if you dont run large enough you will have lowered voltage... with a relay you run a small gauge wire to trigger the relay... I prefer the relays
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Re: high amp switch
[Re: bonefish]
#1167234
01/31/12 09:21 PM
01/31/12 09:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,586 Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana
ProStDodge
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,586
Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana
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Quote:
i want to run a separate switch for each item without a relay.
WHY??? Do you not understand relays so you want to shy away from them? Or do you have a specific need to not use them?
I agree with P-body - that just using high amperage switches means running a lot of large diameter wires every where.
Such as the fuel pump. It is located in the back of the car near the battery. Install a relay in the fused #12 power wire from the battery disconnect switch to the pump. This is a nice short direct route between the power source and the high amperage load (fuel pump). Then you can use a #18 wire all the way up to the switch on the dash.
A relay is really just an electrically controlled high amperage switch.
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Re: high amp switch
[Re: bonefish]
#1167236
02/01/12 12:10 AM
02/01/12 12:10 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,875 communist bloc of new jersey
jamesc
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,875
communist bloc of new jersey
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yes i have done it and am in the process of doing it right now. while relays may be required in some situations installing them in a circuit that is not really necessary adds complication and more potential failure points. use a wire sizing chart and choose the appropriate size conductor. in many circuits 16-14 gauge is sufficient, 12 should handle just about any normal load (except starting / charging obviously) encountered. there are a lot of factors that dictate wire sizing. the voltage, current draw, type of wire, type of load etc. i've done a lot of automotive wiring over the years and the vast majority of electrical problems i've seen stem from peoples inexperience and lack of understanding. poor craftsmanship and low quality materials have been the two most common causes of failures i've seen. poor connections cause resistance, resistance causes heat, heat causes increased resistance it's a snowball effect. use good wire, clean grounds, quality nylon connectors with extra metal sleeves (NOT THE VINYL JUNK FOUND EVERYWHERE) and a quality crimping tool. circuit protection is important electrical fires are notoriously hard to extinguish. these are some of the basic good quality components for successful wiring, in some cases i use weatherpack connectors. it's not practical for most people to invest this much in supplies or tooling but i've done enough to justify it and don't like electrical problems. i was recently doing voltage drop tests on a transbrake circuit and let me say the drop was a whole heck of a lot more (like 9.25 volts was present at the solenoid) than i would ever believe. i can also say that the brake in that car has never once failed to set.
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