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Do I need a relay?

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Old 03-07-2012
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Do I need a relay?

I am running a few things to a switch panel that is below the radio in my civic. I will have a switch for all these: ignition, starter(momentary), fog lights, and led lights in the car, all on the switch. Will I need relays for any of these? What are relays for? I heard that the switches can get hot and catch fire?

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Old 03-07-2012
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Re: Do I need a relay?

The electrical system of your car runs on 12 volts however individual systems work at different amperages. So if your switch is rated for the amperage then you don't need a relay. If you want to run a switch that is not rated for the amperage load then you have to put a relay in between the switch and the load circuit. The relay handles the amperage and the switch triggers the relay.
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Re: Do I need a relay?

Originally Posted by Stock 99
The electrical system of your car runs on 12 volts however individual systems work at different amperages. So if your switch is rated for the amperage then you don't need a relay. If you want to run a switch that is not rated for the amperage load then you have to put a relay in between the switch and the load circuit. The relay handles the amperage and the switch triggers the relay.
Thank you! You wouldn't happen to know the amperage on the ignition would you?
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Re: Do I need a relay?

Your fuses will tell you the amperages.
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