How An Automotive Relay Works and How to Wire 'Em up

[@ronhensley4808]

I have had people...both electricians and mechanics try to explain to me how a relay works. I have read automotive manuals until I'm blue in the face, but no one explains and demonstrates how they work like you just did. Dude...this video is great. I really, really appreciate it. It helps SO much to SEE it work!!!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@mikeries8549]

It's a big switch that uses a small switch connected to an electromagnet that actually throws the big switch. Complicated? No.

[@lostcause1206]

@@mikeries8549 genius

[@theprochrist]

you gotta be the dumbest of the dumb

[@MyTinyBalcony]

Ok, I think I got it. 87 & 87A are the contact points for 'It works/It doesn't work'. Right. I think. I have never wired anything more than 2 wires, a AA battery and a light bulb. I am about to install a USB charger into my motorcycle, and I want a relay to stop the whole thing from charging when the bike is off.

[@anthonygreggworksfromhome]

@@mikeries8549 the BB 2nd,

[@geoff8253]

That was so incredibly easy to follow. It doesn't matter if the wires all look messy in your video, you explain things clearly and it makes sense. Awesome

[@darkseid3225]

Wow, you're the first person on the whole damn KZbin domain I can understand the diagram clearly. + very neat innovative demo. You would make good money as a professor.

[@mohammedhasan7364]

at halfway point i thought exactly that ....this dude a deadset legend ...if you were around nearby I would definetly be your student .

[@TunerThings]

Seriously. I've watched so many relay videos.. and I'm not an idiot by any means lol but this was the first to be SUPER clear on things.

[@alcameron6071]

Tuner Things Yep. I’m in the same situation. For other relay videos steered me in the wrong direction and I couldn’t get my airhorn to work to save my life. This guy knows his stuff. I watched it three times as I was making corrections to pictures that I drew from other videos, who are obviously idiots. I had my airhorns working and less than 10 minutes after watching this video.

[@lvd2001]

Me too. I watched previously 3 clips about relays only confused - until this - Simple and clearly demo... Now I am an expert...Thanks :)

[@curtisjohnson944]

Nope, can’t be a professor. He seems to be based in reality and uses way too much common sense.

[@johnc6809]

Best description of how a relay works I have EVER SEEN! Thanks for this clear explanation, and drawing. A picture is worth a thousand words!

[@rxkhan]

Doesn't matter how old the video is, this really walked through EXACTLY what I was looking for thanks!

[@bergtechautomotive8886]

Nine years later, this is till the best visual training on relays.

[@bryanhenderson9637]

I know this video is a bit old, but thank you very much for still having it out there. It was extremely easy to follow and understand your explanation.

[@memedoable]

I never worked with relay before and didn't understand how it works. I watched several videos about relay but this video is the most understandable and precise. Thank you so much!

[@christined.3728]

Best explanation I've seen yet, especially for those of us who are more "visual" learners. Thanks!

[@sintayehubirhanu6976]

Ppà

[@levideverney9248]

I'm a little confused where do you put the wire from terminal 86 of the relay to. I know it says to a switch but to where exactly.

[@coolcat2005dj]

The only Video on whole youtube which explains how to setup the wires and inside of the relay how it works, Thanks alot friend.

[@NeilKudro]

I have to be honest. I watched this video along with few others on how to use and wire a relay to install after market equipment to my 4x4 Van. I took my time, learned what wires to connect and were each wire goes. i am proud to share that it took me few hours but I was bale to trace and connect all after market equipment added by the previous owner and everything is great working order. I never thought I would be able to do it, but I did. Thank you so much for sharing this video and wish you a great holiday season. Peace and out.

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

There's no wondering why your video has so many views. It's very well put together easy to follow. And everyone have watched on KZbin explaining or showing how to do this goes to through It so quick and doesn't explain which way the load goes. And how they're hooking it up to what system they're using. BRAVO !!!

[@MREDDIEBOI]

This is one of the most simplified and thoroughly explained videos I have ever watched and has helped me with wiring an electronic fuel pump safely without breaking my head. Thank you very much you have helped me achieve another skill today to use with my mechanic work.

[@bigmac8299]

You broke this down just the way someone like me who has basic maintenance skills for cars and even fewer electrical skills could understand thank you I am glad I came across this video

[@johnnydeutschemark3620]

Happy to come across such a clear explanation. The drawing reminds me of when i was a kid and i would ask my Dad a question ( he was brilliant) The actual demo makes it even clearer. We are lucky to have this information at our fingertips. I hope all you kids appreciate this and the 'age of computers'

[@ericmuller3008]

I know this video is 10 years old, but i just had to comment on how well this was explained. I now understand something that i knew nothing about and it only took 10 minutes. Thank you so much. Really.

[@MONKEYJUICE197]

This was perfect for me, I'm currently in the process of installing regulators in my back doors and was completely lost as to how to wire the relay and this worked flawlessly. Thanks a lot!

[@amranabdrahman3045]

God bless you, 2ton220, I have a HUGE problem identifying my motorbike relay wiring system. After searching numerous videos, I came across your video. What a life saver, solve all my problems how to identify the relay problem. I watched your video at least ten times over and over.

[@warrentran4015]

Both lecture & demonstration are clear and concise for non-electrical background viewers. I can now armed with the knowledge to pursue my 1st rewiring project in confident. Thanks professor.

[@chriscunanan]

Amazing teacher! All about the substance, no show or ego. Thank you for your service, sir. You are a treasure.

[@ThomasCameron]

You really did a great job of explaining this! Made it much more clear than some darned wiring diagram!

[@terryevans637]

This bloke EXPLAINS things so you can understand exactly how its done , clear , precise & easily followed , i fitted a stand alone horn for a few pounds , citroen dealer wanted £500 to replace circuit board + labour , absolute ripoff that a simple horn could cost several hundreds of pounds to fix . BIG THKS TO THIS GUY .

[@jonathon4611]

Best, most concise and logical explanation of automotive relays I've seen. Thanks for the vid!

[@ronslaughterandalice1018]

Have been seriously getting interested in automotive electrics. This is the easiest video to follow and grasp I have seen and can move on with playing with relays. Thanks

[@amrmorsy]

Man, I wish I had you as my physics teacher! You have a talent for teaching :) Thank you for the video!

[@electrontube]

My 9-year-old son wanted to know what I was doing with my truck (adding an LED light array) and your video was an amazing help in explaining in plain English. Now he's going to do some of it himself (with supervision of course). Thanks for the help

[@rogertopful]

This is the best help I have found on relays. Thanks for making a good video and not an over explained mess.

[@mugilannair4720]

Hi , I need some advice I'm using standard Toyota corolla. I want change to high speed fan ! Do you have diagram how do I install the fan ?

[@WOODOGS]

lol

[@djtrax909]

You are right about that....

[@Davincisgarage]

Hey 2ton220 good video. I had a question. What is the minimum volts needed on a12v relay to hold the switch open so current will continue to flow from 30/87. Say for instance you crank ur car over to start and the relay turns off causing current to stop flowing from 30/87. Does the relay require ,for example, 8v to hold the switch open? Im trying to figure out why my relay keeps tripping when i crank my motorcycle over. I think its b/c when i start it up my battery drops from12.6v to 7.8.. Thanks pal!

[@Dtapia63]

I think you mean amperage, system voltage is around 14V. And the answer is around 300 to 400 milliamps. Low amperage circuit controlling a high amperage circuit. I hope this helps.

[@italian1098]

For years I've seen relays used on automotive tv shows and never did quite fully understand how relays work or why they were used. This is an excellent video that dumbs things down. The setup for the motor really put things in perspective. Thank you for putting this together.

[@spencermaiers8322]

What a wonderful video. As a mechanic who works on cars, having reference materials like this is excellent. I've done electrical troubleshooting numerous times and I always enjoy refresher videos and explanations. You sir did a very fine job.

[@alvaradooutdoor]

great complete explanation. I was just looking for wiring, but for those that don't understand electricity, you killed it. Good job

[@Dangit-Dave]

Near 30 I feel I should of known this a long time ago!!! Thank you for giving me knowledge!!!!

[@jessesumrall2449]

This is the 3 rd video on relays I watched this morning, the 1st I couldn’t. Hear him talk over the music, the 2nd was not making sense yours was the only one I could understand. Thank you.

[@hurhurhur123]

Thanks so much for showing the inside of the relay, saves me having to open one up myself. Great explanation.

[@erikeggenbakstad]

I have been searching for someone that could show me what electrical parts and diagrams how to wire up USB charging system on a motorcycle. Nobody really do it the right way as they are just dead wired directly to the battery. Thanks to you I can fix this issue pretty darn easy! Thanks!

[@fahad_binarab_AlQahtani]

The best explanation for the relay circuit, thank you.

[@johnmislow6756]

Boy o boy have you made an old geezer very happy. At 72 years old I finally understand a relay for my electrical prototypes. Yippee !!! Now on to my tuna shocker prototype :)

[@Patil_dr]

Simple and best explaination about relays, thank you sir, I've learned something today.

[@1090olam]

I’ve viewed about 14 videos on this subject and this video is the best, as it clearly explains and illustrates how wires should be connected.

[@MrSlowestD16]

Thanks for the tear-down, now I know how I need to test my starter relay - MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@squalobike]

I finally understood how a relay works thanks to your simple but precise explanation. Thank you very much, i really appreciate the effort you put in this video. Have a nice day, sir

[@cobbysparks9891]

Excellent Teacher. Keep up the good work!God Bless you.

[@mshawnmhulett]

One of the best tutorials about relays I’ve ever watched. Awesome job

[@JPDADDIETUBE]

Simply excellent instruction and demonstration!! Thank you very much.

[@dipankarbiswas8622]

Thank you sir

[@vladurs6475]

I don't write any comments usually, but man, you're the only one here who could explain all this thing with a simple example. thank you

[@fideljuarez9335]

Your video explained everything so we'll. I really appreciate the video.. I'm going for my mecp test and found your information very useful

[@Ratlins9]

Excellent video, Your camera’s closeups of the relay were blurry but the diagram you drew is crystal clear. Great narration and demonstration of a relay in use. Thank you for making this video, I now have a thorough understanding of a relay.

[@aetsystem]

yes ,,..very nice and a very clear explaination... thank you so much..

[@DanielRodriguez-vh3dz]

Man... This is the BEST explanation of a relay video I've seen all week. Very clear and just a perfect illustration.

[@headoftheboard2]

Extremely helpful!

[@rudedawg5087]

I realize this is an old video but it is has really helped me to understand exactly how to wire a relay that I will use in conjunction with a switch on my lawn tractor to bypass the problematic oem pto switch which engages the electric pto clutch. Thanks again, RP.

[@DevinBates]

I would recommend changing your camera focus, so we can see what is in your hand better

[@LEXICOGRAFFER]

"Bless you sir!"

[@azali284]

actually out of a lot of videos on KZbin about relays, this video is the best explained. thank you!!!

[@case485]

Great explanation - thanks

[@py2237]

Best actual demonstration with explanation I've seen regarding relays.

[@Saantee]

Was anyone else expecting this guy to sell you a bottle of clear eyes?

[@bigmac8299]

Lmao

[@bigmac8299]

He shouldn't even get mad at a comment like this that shit was funny my guy lol

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

former electronic tech here.. work on my cars.. that was an extremely good way of illustrating this relay.. I think the relays are cool. they also perform circuit isolation. I really like your clip leads.. I prefer to make my own.. bought ones generally unreliable and not soldered correctly. I am subscribing to your channel.

[@saundersryan20]

You sound like the guy who does the clear eyes commercial.

[@arthercasillas2755]

Trix Protege great explanation. Thanks.

[@twotone87200288]

his name is ben stein

[@malcolmrigby1801]

no he is Tom Boedett at motel 6 he will leave the light on for you

[@xX-Expendable-Xx]

This video was most helpful. Had no idea how a relay worked until I watched this video. Simple and direct, no mess. Thank you

[@edwinstorz702]

Thank you, if you are not a Teacher, you need to be, if you can clearly help me understand just how to wire in a relay and how one works, with out my pee Brain shorting out, i say that you can Teach anybody, lol. Again Thank You!!!!

[@crazyeye1]

My man just finally made me realize how a relay works. Just got a job as an installer (entry level) and I couldn’t grasp the pin layout. Thank you!

[@MrSuzukiyamaha]

Dry eyes

[@feniusQ]

Thanks for the educational, easy for a novice to understand demonstration video. You truly make KZbin a better place!

[@CinematicTouchProductions]

I am speechless!!! I have see every friggin video post from every body and they're cousin. And just could not really really get it 100% and here I see your 11 minute video and suddenly my brain cells made the contacts from 86 to 85 then switched from 30 to 87a to 87 If every one else did videos exactly like you!!! Thank you Sir!!

[@brianbaumgardner2101]

I was having a hell of a time trying to wire up a car horn to a push button. This is a great video for understanding how a relayed circuit works and how to wire them.

[@edgarzapico2855]

You have earned another subscriber here. Wow in just few minutes i now fully understand how relay works. Simple and straight forward demo. Keep it up.

[@MrRealtorJim]

You instructed extremely well. Now I understand completely how the typical automotive relay switch works and why they are used. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You have a bunch of positive feedbacks, so please ignore the few negative comments.

[@bohaman.]

Thank you sir for teaching. It is 2020 and your instructions are still the easiest and most straightforward to follow.

[@dougpeterson4804]

Just now saw this video, March 2021! By far the best video and now I totally understand how a relay works and how to wire. My new lights now work flawlessly!!! You’re the king 🤴🏼!!!

[@stewartbruce2409]

Simply a brilliant presentation explaining how a relay works. If I had skilled teachers in high school such as yourself I believe it wouldn't have been such a struggle for me. You really know how to convey your knowledge over to us you tubers, and I thank you. All the best Bruce the swimmer New Rochelle N.Y.

[@pradeepsehmi2433]

" The Best " of all the youtube videos seen till now on hooking a relay. 👌🙏

[@bseries8826]

Hands down this is the best relay video I have ever came across thank you so much

[@jerryorgeraldmcpherson8508]

I have to learn hands on, you explained the wiring to make it so simple for a lot of people like myself. Thanks!

[@captainjayready2432]

What a good and thorough explanation. I guess the "experts" gave you a thumbs down because you explained too much? Please continue making great videos. Thanks!

[@xvrays]

Magnificent video. Best on KZbin. Clear concise and explanatory with a diagram.

[@boydwright8131]

This is the best KZbin explaining relays yet!

[@hellomihai]

Question: 87a is live when the switch is off. Is it also live when the switch is on? Thank you for the great description. Very clear!

[@hellomihai]

nevermind. Found the answer @10:20. 87a turns loses power when relay is on.

[@alcameron6071]

Thanks for clearing up this relay stuff. I watched all the videos and they obviously were steering me in the wrong direction. I had my airhorns working in less than 10 minutes once I got the right scoop from you. Thanks again.

[@stanmorton8975]

You missed your calling in life. I hereby anoint your Professor emeritus at large. As such you are now endowed to teach relay 101 and above to the American public. Congratulations. Seriously. After viewing video, I walked away with a clear understanding of relay circuitry. Thx

[@icanfix1]

Every now and then you'll stumble onto a great video worth the perpetual bookmark. This is an awesome video on it's topic. Best I've seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@ebreevephoto]

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO EXPLAINS THE WHOLE CONCEPT - THANK YOU!!!

[@3ndofdayz]

This video, the 6th one of this subject I've watched, helped me actually understand how a relay works. In my case, I'm using a relay for a very complicated and extensive set up for the kill switch for my vehicle. Thank you

[@kevinstruhar4062]

This was a great explanation of a relay. I am more of a visual learner and this really helped me understand relays. Thank you!

[@KIDDdaDOGGMMPSFH]

It was Like I was back in the classroom...I salute you for the knowledge sir..

[@87svu]

This is the 3rd video I watched about relay and this one makes more sense. Good job. 👍

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

Hi dude, I have spent over an hour looking through KZbin vids for info on this, and yours is the first to actually describe it as I needed it- A Massive Thank You, and I have liked and subscribed as a thankyou, and also will share if people I know need your excellent vids. Thanks again fella from Wales, Uk

[@612fresko]

I'm a visual learner and your video is great the best explanation out there

[@dipayanbose7057]

The best understanding of relay systems. loved the video demo. Very nice demo Sir. Thank you so much.

[@tomseverson5700]

Great video, Thank you very much! A friend and I were trying to rewire the headlights on his scooter thru a relay and with an off and on switch. Your video explained everything so clearly. I really like that when you used electrical terms you interpreted them and showed what they are. Some of us are not familiar with them. Alot of the video's I watched just assumed everyone knew what they were talking about when they used a "technical term". We were able to rewire his headlights so that now he is not blowing fuses or head lamps. Thanks again!

[@MuhNeh]

Excellent explanation, I am a very visual person so having a demo really helped learning how to use a relay. Thank you so much!!

[@marksmith5771]

Soft spoken, well explained direct and to the point. Thank you Sir.

[@tristanwwsd]

I came here to learn about relays because I don't fully understand why you need them. You did mention it once but should have repeated it again a couple more times near the end. (Why it's important for the switch. Is that all?) You talked about other aspects of this system more than once. So what I took from this demo is it appeared you created a rube Goldberg to switch on a motor but the reason why is if you would have just simply switched the circuit it would blow up the switch in a shorter time. I guess upon further reading this video wasn't really on why you need them. Just how they work and how to wire them and you covered that very well and easy to understand. Thanks for making this.

[@theekranoplan]

if you don't understand this video- that means you are specially gifted........ Really good explanation thank you.

[@alainlefevre5059]

Exactly what was needed to educate me on the matter and to self-diagnose why it didn’t work out at first ...auxiliary lights on the vehicle are now operational ... thanks for having outlined the basics that simple

[@aneshramsaroop8436]

The best explanation on relays that I have watched.

[@oldenburg666]

Been figuring out how to wire a relay off a tracker to switch ignition on and off incase my car is stolen and your video has shown how to wire a circuit up so it constantly flows energy until switched off. No one explained it like you. Thank you

[@matthewzorn1595]

I hardly ever leave comments on any platform of any form good or bad. And atm I cannot think of any reason to need this but I was taking the long way around to my next fav Taylor swift jam…now I’m looking relays I pulled from my old Yukon I parted out years ago. Impressively simple teaching skills man hope you have a wonderful day!

[@Broken_bread]

this is the smartest and helpful you tubes person I have in this particular subjects. Hurray! and more power to you!!!!

[@huggysr]

You are the best teacher on relays n I believe you are god sent!!!!!

[@hennessy6996]

Mister gentleman, your video helped me understand a great deal how relays works in applications especially in regards to automotive, for me it was fog lights in my Mazda. Thanks for your time and energy spent setting example up.