Anyone know where to get reliable relays?

[davemoore]

For aux lighting, I've tried them all it seems. The standard 12V automotive relay. I use them on, typically, a pair of 55W aux lights (driving a load under 10-Amps). They cost anywhere between $9 and $15 and aren't water tight, so I always mount them bottom down to avoid moisture collection. Seldom do they last more than a year. The contacts still get moist and corrode, becoming intermittant, then quit altogether.

Exception - my PIAA 1100X relay finally quit after 3-4 years. So now I need to replace him too. If anyone knows a better source for relays, I would sure like to hear about it. NAPA, Auto Zone, etc., all seem to sell the same cheapo crap relays.

[messenger13]

I think it was Grif that just posted a link for waterproof sealed relays, and the pig-tailed connectors to go with them. Good stuff Maynard. I'll try to find the thread and post the link.

But let me ask you this. Are you using dielectric grease? 'Tis my favorite stuff you know. :)

[Dick]

For aux lighting, I've tried them all it seems. The standard 12V automotive relay. I use them on, typically, a pair of 55W aux lights (driving a load under 10-Amps). They cost anywhere between $9 and $15 and aren't water tight, so I always mount them bottom down to avoid moisture collection. Seldom do they last more than a year. The contacts still get moist and corrode, becoming intermittant, then quit altogether.

Exception - my PIAA 1100X relay finally quit after 3-4 years. So now I need to replace him too. If anyone knows a better source for relays, I would sure like to hear about it. NAPA, Auto Zone, etc., all seem to sell the same cheapo crap relays.
Hey - you found me a waterproof relay coupla years ago. I forgit what we used it on (PIAAs or Motolights). I seem to remember that you drove over to Lester's Automotive and visited the NAPA store and found it. I'll see if I can find it on ole Toad before Friday and give ya the nombre, or we can look for it next week when we exchange synthetics old for new.

[messenger13]

Here's the relays (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=330-079&CFID=7758687&CFTOKEN=45594155) that the Grifster is using.

[grifscoots]

Here's the relays (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=330-079&CFID=7758687&CFTOKEN=45594155) that the Grifster is using.

Need me to show you how to wire it up, Davey? :histerica

(for those of you who don't know, Dave is an electrical injuneer and a dayem good one)

[messenger13]

Need me to show you how to wire it up, Davey? :histerica

(for those of you who don't know, Dave is an electrical injuneer and a dayem good one)Don't know about Davey, but you can help me anytime you want to. Just so long as you bring those two "helpers" of yours. ;)
(from your avatar)

[Woolly]

... ever tried using solid state relays - totally waterproof, no moving parts or contacts to wear out...
http://www.wolfautomation.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1035&CategoryID=5036

[messenger13]

... ever tried using solid state relays - totally waterproof, no moving parts or contacts to wear out...
http://www.wolfautomation.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1035&CategoryID=5036
"Zero voltage turn on" What? :confused: Help me understand Master!
These work identically to magnetic relays? Any drawbacks?

[Woolly]

"Zero voltage turn on" What? :confused: Help me understand Master!
These work identically to magnetic relays? Any drawbacks?

zero voltage turn on helps reduce inrush currents for inductive loads - almost like a 'soft start' - can actually prolong life of bulbs (the filaments have a very low resistance when first turned on (i.e. cold), so actually draw a higher current until they get hot. This is why bulbs often fail when you switch them on).

They work identically to electro magnetic relays, but with the obvious added benefits, and are vibration proof.

...You learn quick, glasshopper ..:D

[messenger13]

They work identically to electro magnetic relays, but with the obvious added benefits, and are vibration proof.Someone once said to me, "It can look like a chair, but it ain't one...until you sit on it.". I guess I need to get me one of these and try it out. Thanks for the link WoolMeister.

...You learn quick, glasshopper ..:DSank ewe.

[davemoore]

I think it was Grif that just posted a link for waterproof sealed relays, and the pig-tailed connectors to go with them. Good stuff Maynard. I'll try to find the thread and post the link.

But let me ask you this. Are you using dielectric grease? 'Tis my favorite stuff you know. :)

Thanks Joe, and for the link too. I use prolific grease too,but don't recall if I did on the relays.

Just tried to order 10 but they were out of stock...

[davemoore]

Hey - you found me a waterproof relay coupla years ago. I forgit what we used it on (PIAAs or Motolights). I seem to remember that you drove over to Lester's Automotive and visited the NAPA store and found it. I'll see if I can find it on ole Toad before Friday and give ya the nombre, or we can look for it next week when we exchange synthetics old for new.

Yeah, I got you one and me one? Well, it went out too.

[davemoore]

Need me to show you how to wire it up, Davey? :histerica

(for those of you who don't know, Dave is an electrical injuneer and a dayem good one)

Yeah, you better come over right now and hepp me.

[davemoore]

... ever tried using solid state relays - totally waterproof, no moving parts or contacts to wear out...
http://www.wolfautomation.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1035&CategoryID=5036

Brian, have you used these? They look awesone. I see you're a marine engineer - looks like it's good under water? LOL

Wonder why they don't make these in automotive relay form factor?

[grifscoots]

Just tried to order 10 but they were out of stock...

I have a few, need them?

[cfell]

Dave..
Klik this link for the Texas distributor listing of the IDEC

http://www.idec.com/cgi-bin/us_locator_search.cgi?keyword=TX

[cfell]

Hey.. Just talked to a guy here in Austin.. says the relays are about $20 each... but they are not in Austin, they have 36 up in Little Rock, AR.

He can get as many as we like..... with a $25 minimum.

Part numbers:
RSSDN-25A...... 25 Amp ($20)
RSSDN-50A...... 50 Amp ( a few more bucks each)

[grifscoots]

Do those kewl leetle, solid state jobs wire like the regular relays?

[messenger13]

Do those kewl leetle, solid state jobs wire like the regular relays?That's what Woolly told me. Sounds like they really are the ticket!

[cfell]

Yeah, Grif.. you have a "control" side and a "Power" side...

[messenger13]

Yeah, Grif.. you have a "control" side and a "Power" side...Sounds kinda like a couple of the wimmin Grif used to date! :rotf:

[zippy_gg]

Sounds kinda like a couple of the wimmin Grif used to date! :rotf:The ones in his avatar???:rotf:

[Woolly]

That's what Woolly told me. Sounds like they really are the ticket!

Two contacts goin in for the switch (aka coil on conventional relay), and two contacts for the switched load - easy peasy . . .