How to wire a Relay and Why You should use them.

We show you how to wire a four pin relay. We also show you how to solder and we talk about why you should use relays.
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www.brokebastardgarage.com
music by: Daddy Long legs

[@BrokeBastardGarage]

Yellow wire goes to fused power. To the battery if you want to use it with key on or off. To fused ignition hot is you want it to only work when the key is on.

[@linom6178]

Hi mr Broke Bastard Garage , This job i am thinking to do is on a big rig tractor will be exterior extra lights i wonder if i need a fuse those extra lights they're going on the roof or viser & some i will going to put on the side of the truck. Could you help me with that please if i need a relay o fuse.

[@linom6178]

The wires already running so i am just thinking 🤔 to splice or attach to the wire.

[@BrokeBastardGarage]

lino m are you just adding to existing lights?

[@p.o.9964]

I lkiked your video, you now have a new subscriber, Oh yeah lets see that cat if it's still around!

[@cementaryjr]

Can you put ONE relay for your high and low beam lights OR do you have to put TWO relays one for each???

[@DrGooseDuckman]

Not meowing back at the cat is the greatest example of willpower I've ever seen on the youtubes. Respect.

[@brianguenther3395]

Good info. I always did it the "other" way. Had no idea it was the wrong way.

[@user-yu1km8qg2f]

thank you!! Finally, a straightforward, direct. practical lesson on how to do things well! No bs, I love it!

[@rm5902]

Priceless Well explained Thorough No background noise Just what i needed

[@nowthenad3286]

I love the fact that you teach everything from the basics up. Thank you

[@jenniferpasten8847]

I really appreciated him doing that too

[@rafaelaguilar5967]

I liked that implied connotation in your eyes when you said "the other way"!!

[@spraym88]

The fact that you solder the wire to the butt connectors , and slide the heat shrink up over the prong of the relay is an Awesome tip. Very clean. Very safe. Thank you bro

[@abdullahshaik4784]

I had completely new to car electrical wiring . Bought a day time running lights wanted to install it myself . Thank you for explaining in detail. Amazing video and no crappy music in back ground just raw information. Awesome

[@05tech]

love that you use the heat shrink, such a small detail yet very important that it gives me an extra peace of mind.

[@SeaMonkey137]

One of the best videos I've seen on garage "clinical" skills. I did electronics school in the Navy and I always admire folks that solder their connections. Sign of solid work IMHO.

[@zacandmillie]

I've been watching a lot of videos on how to wire some accessories on my truck. This is the best I have seen on soldering with excellent explanations of what and how. Thank you.

[@mrdrproffesornoam]

This guy is the real deal. Really broke the steps down to remove the intimidation of trying this for the first time.

[@JPruitt631]

I suck at wiring. Thank you for simplifying it a little lol. Appreciate the explanation.

[@wretchedusername]

This was one of the best instructional videos I have seen in a long time. Some detractors may feel this was incomplete and/or leaving out some things, but it's essentially a 19 minute video covering a a few mini-topics within the project. I never considered some of these things. I doubt I will do all of this for every project as it might be overkill in some cases, but I will definitely consider his advice and certainly use it when the need arises. Seriously people (You know who you are.), don't do any of this without adequate background knowledge and some practice if needed. Great instruction and much appreciated. Two thumbs up!

[@Rippee42]

I really enjoy your channel! You actually show ppl what/how you are doing vs just doing it.

[@danielmeecham464]

Hey, great instruction with correct demonstration. Very good to see! In the beginning, I wondered why my swiches would get hot, until I figured out why through trial and error. Lots of errors, but luckily no fires! I'm now on my thirty-third truck of which all have been older used trucks, and I put road light, fog lights, and back up lights and many other simple devices in all of them. The parts and method you demonstrated here are all correct and the responsible way to do it. Great Job!

[@ats7442]

Wow... you are an amazing teacher. Short, sweet and to the point. I like the very practical suggestions. Awesome job sir.

[@joelonderee2872]

You covered a whole bunch of great tips and techniques... I learned a lot! Thanks.

[@appstate1996]

This is one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen! I know NOTHING about mechanical/electrical stuff but I like to learn and do things myself. Most people assume you know something and skip over steps. You took us step by step through the whole process and explained everything along the way. Then you did a recap to make sure we got it. Finally, you did a tool recap explaining what the tool is and why is needed. If there was ever A PERFECT instructional video, this is it!! I'm buying all these tools and I'm going to solder some 16 gauge wire to a 20" led light bar to use on my new zero turn mower. The mower is prewired for a light kit and has a relay and fuse box under the seat. I can't wait to get into it. Thanks for the video brother!

[@jackiefallen7976]

I agree, absodanmutely.

[@kennethmilus1533]

Needed to see this. I always use fuses but love what I just saw with relay. It's my new standard now. And I Love soldering my wiring systems.never fail.

[@SpaceSnaxxx]

FINALLY a video that emphasizes attention to detail in the construction technique. This is the kind of attitude that turns a project's 5-year lifespan into a 40-year lifespan.

[@rodcognito002]

I learned something. Thanks very helpful.

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

Thanks -Your video is the first one that actually explains the wiring of a relay in simple , clear and concise details. I am very grateful as I am going to install an air horn in my car and needed a video to show how.Excellent !

[@bigguy9128]

Wow!! OMG!! This guy is EXCELLENT! Also, love the cat in the background at about 10 minutes in. He really does an excellent job of explaining WHY you should use a relay when adding a new item to your setup or car and what a switch, if you decide to use one, is actually doing in conjunction with the relay. His tips on wire splicing, connectors, and soldering are also very, very good.

[@novisnick6928]

Stumbled across your channel, thanks for the education! I appreciate your efforts and time.

[@manzahalem8845]

You're an excellent Teacher. So well done. Thank you very much Broke Bastard!

[@willywill6486]

THIS GUY IS SOME COLLEGE TEACHER THAT HAS THE BEST WAY OF TEACHING, THANK YOU.

[@Ccincrco]

Solid video. Thanks for the tutorial! Watching you solder makes me realize I need practice!

[@martinmessersmith2900]

You do solid work. It is irritating to me when people take shortcuts to get a job done quicker and the result is a mess that never lasts long or causes other problems. Take the time to do it right the first time and be proud of your work. You certainly should be - your work is tight!

[@joshtonry4291]

Man, I appreciate this video. I'm just about to wire up my 53 chevy COE. This video should help with the relays. Solder size was a helpful bit of info too

[@charlesreid2141]

Excellent video, thanks for walking us through all the steps and making everything look good and be reliable.

[@emilaznar526]

Good job explaining the mysteries of relays. Also liked the added info on soldering. thanks

[@TheWillis1237]

Thanks for making this video, I know it’s 4 years old. But it was helpful for me. I tend to learn in a odd way. This was exactly what I needed. To the point, no goofy music, and talking like I was there watching over your shoulder. Sub’d

[@yosefmama1136]

Soldering tip. When you put your iron away, tin the tip of the iron. This will prevent the hot tip from oxidizing, which makes the tip wear out sooner. Good video you did.

[@topcatandgang]

i told him about the tip also and told him to use a damp sponge to clean the tip before soldering.

[@anthonytiburon8754]

What a bad ass video, literally like 3 different videos in one direct, solid, all inclusive approach. Subscribed!

[@garystratton4125]

Great stuff here for leaarning electrical connections ... Good communication skills. I learned a lot here and I have been around for almost 67 years.

[@porknbeans7420]

BEST how-to vid I've ever seen on KZbin. Clear, thorough and funny. Love that you gave the little cat a home, too! He's hungry :-) . New subscriber,

[@kendol75]

!++

[@EZoutAtSecond]

most people think they can solder...and they don't understand why the wires don't stay soldered...you brought up good points...clean wires...clean soldering tip...tin the tip of the soldering iron and the wire to be soldered...heat transfer and NO cold solder joints...great video Mr BBG...keep up the good work...!!!

[@BMBEYC]

ABSOLUTELY terrific video! plain easy to understand! thank you!

[@hitchensthinksnot4778]

A tip I'd like to share. On many of my corded tools, I use old vacuum cleaner cords, and direct wire them to the tools. Vacuums are always discarded, and I just pull up, cut the cord off, and go. Electric leaf blower, fans, heat guns, table saws, stereo equipment, portable lights, etc. Some cords are over 25 feet long, and heavy enough to use on many tools.

[@wotsthisay]

grand stuff - jus what i needed - appreciated - good man - Cheers

[@cool-qm2zc]

Absolutely simple to follow and understand you! Thx for making this as easy to follow as ove ever heard! P.S. I used to do it "the other way" (no relays) I now see the obvious errors on my old ways! Anyhow, you've got yourself another NEW follower! Keep up the great work!!! Matt 🤘😎

[@gregwall6553]

Thanks, best accolade I can give, your an excellent instructor. Our young people don't always have a dad or one with how to, they use to. My son going to college blew the minds of his fellow students, because one, he tried to fix stuff and second he had some knowledge. Mike Rowe would love you, as I.

[@BrokeBastardGarage]

Greg Wall Thank you

[@vegasnay1]

Thank you for getting right to it! Thank you for touching up on the soldering as well. I love this video. It was the only one I found that explained EXACTLY what I needed…and most of all, thank you for NOT blasting music during some parts. I could follow along without putting my project down to annoyingly adjust the volume. Keep your videos just like this my friend, I’m a subscriber!

[@billfrank6505]

Great explanation of things that I have had trouble grasping...Thank you for taking the time to do it. PS. Cute cat, hope u got him a nice home.

[@boss290bafalcon]

Thank you, very very helpful... love what your doing helping educate people.

[@jamesayers1770]

Thanks for the teaching on soldering lessons

[@paulfleming1782]

Close call , i was just getting ready to work on a relay for my riding mower ( lose wire ) at the ignition switch . Thought i would check around before i started working = Lucky i did ! Have seen a lot of videos on other subjects ( never saw one of yours before ) and i have to say that this is one of the finest i have ever seen . Your thorough and as a result , a good teacher ! Thank you ......

[@rickm5806]

Well done! You sir are a natural teacher.

[@JagXK150]

Well I sure learnt a hell of a lot from you, this video, here in ye olde England, many thanks to all the guys like you who can be arsed, Bravo dude. Subscribed.

[@nelreyerd]

Finally! Someone who can explain what a relay does so that I can understand it. Thanks man.

[@itsSpecialSteve]

I just learned how to soldier and create relays. Much value! Thank you!

[@mikecondoluci53]

GREAT VIDEO MAN , 2 THUMBS UP

[@brysoncharlie]

New subscriber here, thanks for sharing your work

[@ozmister101]

literally the best explained how to on a relay ive seen. ive seen a few explain it but not to the level where you could wire a car at not even close to this

[@glennwilliamson7911]

Great info. Keep up the good work.

[@ryanmacewen511]

Most common fire on a car is electrical fire! Yes, great video! Relays also help with voltage drops, as you can shorten the power run to the load. Also, as you may already know, Relay, Solenoid, contactor, electrical motor starter, are all the same thing. Grab yourself some flux. Solder will stay brighter, and flow easier. No need to tin, if you have flux on all the pieces. If you have old oxidized (brown copper), a brass or steel brush to brighten the surfaces. Very helpful, if you have a large joint, and rosin flux that comes in solder burns off, or if you want to reflow older solder. The connector you crimped, you could coat in flux, crimp, then solder will flow into fluxed areas.

[@JonPBixby]

Do you go to any extra effort to clean the area (of flux residue) after completing the soldered joint? I have opted to mechanically twist the overlapping opposed wires, then apply flux and completely solder (prior to flushing away flux residue) and then cover in regular heat shrink or occasionally special lined shrink wrap that releases an environmental sealant when applying appropriate heat.

[@ryanmacewen511]

@@JonPBixby I usually clean off the used flux residue with IPA, or on a car, any solvent that's safe for the application. If it's just a wire, under the hood, I'll use a shot of brake cleaner. Inside a car or near something that might melt, I'll stick with IPA, and a rag. Nowadays I use 'no clean flux', but I still clean it. No clean flux just means it's safe to leave and wont promote corrosion.

[@robertdavidson3090]

Added relays to my MGB for my headlights. The original way was to go straight to the switch, but the cheap quality switches that are available will fail in less than a year. So a hot lead from the battery circuit to the relay with an in line fuse. The current going through the switch is about 5% of what would go through the switch without the relay. Plus when the switch begins to wear the resistance will cause the headlight to dim. Relays are the answer to electrical issues.

[@johnny_law8209]

Man I wish I had seen this sooner. You got her right, and got a new fan. Well done, you are a natural, keep up the good work.

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

best Auto tech video I've seen on KZbin yet. thank you sir

[@joevignolor4u949]

My wife's Honda Civic kept having the headlights go off while driving at night. The car had been recalled for this back in 2011. Honda had routed all the headlight current through the headlight switch on the steering column. Over time this would cause heat damage to the switch. I added a relay, which now carries the headlight current and the switch only controls the relay.

[@tuberider1171]

Fantastic educational resource - here are some key sections for those who like me would like to come back to it 0:23 The quick and dirty 'other' way to wire up - i.e. not recommended 0:59 Demo of the 'other way' to wire up 1:59 Discussion about the proper way to solder 14:33 2:39 Tinning wires - a key preliminary step before soldering two pieces together 4:12 Apply heat to bottom side of wire so solder wick through the wires i.e. coating all the wires 5:10 Apply heat shink if needed before soldering the pieces together 5:35 Soldering the 2 wires together 6:34 Heat shrinking 7:16 Fusing the circuit - adding in line fuse Wiring the relay 8:17 About relays 13:35 8:43 Adding connectors to wires for the relays. Interesting aprooach: removing the plastic surround, tinning the wire and opening the connector before crimping . 9:47 Only crimps to hold in place before soldering connector the wire. 10:15 Adding the power to the relay, prong #30 . Note: doesn't suggest soldering to relay 11:07 Adding the light to the relay, prong #87 11:38 Grounding the light and relay #85, options to go to the frame or to the negative wire. 12:30 Plugging switch to #86 Note: option to heat shrink unused prongs on the switch or to simply cut off note: Yellow wire should be fused if connected straight to the battery if you want to use it independent of the ignition. Alternatively, get the power source from a fused ignition point if you want it to only work when the key is on. 13:18 Demo of how the system works i.e. switching on the light 13:35 Explanation of what the relay is i.e. acts as remote switch to carries the load of the current rather than the switch thus minimising the use of heavy wire directly from the switch which can lead to voltage drops and/or overheating of wires and fire . for more about relays see this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4evqGyMbbOcgrs 14:46 Tool review. 14:51Soldering irons 16:03 Types of solder. Uses flux in special in circumstances such as computer boards where you want to control solder .. but suggests it unnecessary in general use . Prefers rosin core as it melts better. 16:35 Likes thin solder as it helps control application and minimise lumpy soldering 16:54 Crimpers and Snippers , get one of each. Do not get combo stripper crimpers as the crimping is too narrow. 18:23 Heat gun vs cigarette lighter

[@paulsmith3458]

I have been messing for hours trying to figure the live/ground combo's. This vid has sorted it simply and clearly. Thanks dude, awesome. (UK)

[@JWalker6541]

Great video! You've given me the confidence I need to tackle my LED-flashers-in-the-tailights job that I've been putting off. Thanks!

[@traktorworks3200]

pretty informative and useful vid. but one thing i will suggest is when you use the wire stripper turn it 90 degrees so the flat face is facing the way you are removing the plastic covering. doing this makes it easier to pull the waste waste, ie you dont have to pull so hard.

[@charlesterwilliams1736]

Sir you'd an excellent job indoor tutorial. Very thorough and complete. I am a novice to electronics and wanted a basic intro to relays, and you provided that. Not once did you talk over my head and you explained things in a way that made it very understandable. Also you were not condescending at all. It was as if you really wanted to enlighten and educate the novices. Thanks so much. Also excellent tutorial on soldering. As I stated you did a great job.

[@alittlebitoff1973]

I completely RELATE to 98%of what you had to say... i take the plastic of the connectors i solder EVERYTHING i cant stand thick solder the small circuit board wire is way easier. I have never totally understood the reason for the Relay i totally get it now THANK YOU.. I also just got back from the worlds largest Car/Truck show last week Sema 2019..

[@themonkeyproject]

Weird flex, but ok.

[@marcw3]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@kennethcroll6972]

the way to remember how to wire a 4 pin relay, is to use the compass method, pin 87 horizontal top pin, 85, 86, 30, are vertical, pin 87 north, N for New Accessory, pin 85 East E for Earth, pin 30 South S for solid 12v + and pin 86 West W for sWicth Wire

[@chrisnotap]

You have a good way to remember but you need to re-comment. You have your numbers mixed up and you need a few commas in there to make it more understandable. "85 86 87" should be "85 86 30"

[@kennethcroll6972]

@@chrisnotap thank you, i never saw that did it wrong, hope it write now

[@mrlallyD3]

kenneth croll Thank You

[@tomweir3857]

Nice, thanks

[@flinch622]

That fails with some old school/pre IEC convention automotive relays. I have on old GM relay somewhere that is a very odd duck...

[@raphaelarcangel6912]

wow this video literally saved me some burns and some issues i was going thru hot switches, thanks bunches dude, great video!!

[@chinwakebhai]

Excellent presentation ! Thank you. I am a motorcycle rider/tinkerer and diy'er, and appreciate all tips.

[@TheMonear]

Worth demo... I have totally enjoyed... thanks for the all advices

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

It basically is down to how much load is the switch rated for. Other factors are wire size, run length, cost, complexity and location of relay. Horns are good example for the need of a relay because of starting amps and inductive load but most lighting doesn’t need it if properly wired & fused. One thing to note. There are three types of DC relays standard coil, diode and capacitor. The latter two protect the switching mechanism be it mechanical or solid state from the BEMF voltages of a de energized coil. Only the diode type coil is polarity sensitive and marked +&-.

[@danr5105]

Exactly.

[@ronjohnson2693]

I have been doing automotive wiring for years. I like your video. Two things I would ask about 1) Heat shrink if it is going under the hood would be better if you used marine type, it seals against moister. 2 Why not twist the wires together to make your connections even stronger.

[@brysoncharlie]

I twist them together as well, I only have 5 months experience

[@red2965]

Wat you mean by marine. I been doing heat shrink for years never heard of it.

[@ronjohnson2693]

@@red2965 , Hi Check Habor Freight heat shink kits. They have a version that is a marine type. When heated there is a glue or sealant that activates and seals out moisture. Since I have discovered it that is all I use.

[@red2965]

@@ronjohnson2693 thanks Ron. HF is just around the corner will definitely ✔ it out.

[@mikerose7100]

Correct. You should make a good physical connection first (twisting etc.) then solder. Should not use the solder alone to hold the wires together.

[@ronaldlehmann6935]

Good Teacher- U Maxed it - easy to follow- learned the right way to wire a relay-Thank You

[@kristina5288]

This was so helpful! Thank you.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

"can't find anything in my garage anymore" LOL , you mean there are OTHER people like me !!!

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

There are two kinds of mechanics, those that can't find anything in their garage and those that can't find any fasteners on the ground. :-P

[@mrcoz1764]

Guilty

[@savagenomore]

yes, we are a secret society....lol

[@kickenchicken9645]

hell, i cant even walkin mine

[@PBYFRED]

I am sure there is an invisible guy that lives in my shop. I can be working on something and I set a tool down and he makes it vanish. I don;t know where he puts it and then after a while ..... there it is.

[@independentcontractor1633]

Thanks Brother! Best tutorial on wiring a relay I have seen!

[@sergiogobniskeb3718]

Gosh .....!! I thought I was doing it the right way, but thanks for showing me my mistakes. I am grateful.

[@jeeprubicon6650]

Fantastic. Very informative. I have many of these tools, sometimes I just don't know how to effectively use them all, but I'm learning. Gotta go do some soldering.!!!!!

[@lorrinrodrigueshs-bcp192]

Hah! "Broke Bastard Garage" describes my whole life as a shade tree mechanic...so I HAD to subscribe! Great editing, great suggestions, great photography, great audio, great voice...all-in-all, a very polished presentation which I will declare...(you guessed it) GREAT!

[@FormerArea51]

Ok time to drink for every “M Kay”, “Now” and “So”.... LOL! Great information and good luck with your ride.

[@mikemeyer7969]

Electrical is my biggest fear.... you make it look so easy! Good vid!

[@stephenbudge4313]

Just what I needed to learn. Thanks Man.

[@thefrugaljeeper4054]

Good study lesson for wiring. Thank you for this video.

[@johng1077]

Like the explanation do wish you had a closer view of what you were doing

[@martinpoulin5445]

Hey when it comes time to wire the head lights go to ebay and punch in relay head lights. You can get both relays the harness and the ceramic sockets for the head lights for around $12.00 makes it wicked easy .

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Head light circuits on older mopar stuff had same problem. They ran power straight through the headlighy switch. Everyine one ive had ive wired relays in to stop melting switches. Also old Japanese motorcycleare notorious for these wiring issues

[@arthurgrenside6040]

Ho

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I came back here as a refresher; it was very hopeful. Oddly enough, I actually forgot the function of the relay, but you explained it very well.

[@TheDIDSBIAK]

Thanks for sharing all the tips and tricks 🙂👍

[@MrAdamNTProtester]

My shop teacher tried to shrink wrap with a torch & almost burned the facility down! Trade Tip: Never solder when high on crack! Mr. Johnston KNOWS!

[@TheLoobis]

10:10 FEED THE CAT!

[@frase1234]

FFS

[@johnpoole8321]

He aint called broke bastard for nutin. cats meowing up the wrong tree

[@thomasastles]

Thank you. You are a good teacher. Good film editing with appropriate fast forward when appropriate. Your humble, knowledgeable approach is very appealing. Good Job.

[@astonmarjo]

Quick and to the point. Bravo, bravo! 🏁🏁🏁💯

[@chadvarnell1889]

It's always a good idea to clean the soldered joints with a little alcohol and a "acid brush", especially if you use flux. I recommend flux because it aids in cleaning the joint, and making a more solid bond. Good video!

[@truthdefenders-]

“a more solid bond” just how freaking solid is good enough?

[@wadewillson6796]

LMFAO just the name alone caught my attention. You have a new subscriber because I am one BROKE BASTARD!! Great video brother.

[@fvrrljr]

me three LOL

[@Theiconicmetalworks]

Badass helpful video with thorough explanation. Much appreciated!

[@ronmiller682]

Great video thank you for the demonstration

[@johnramirez5996]

I've had switches melt by doing it that way. Which was in 80s. Relays is way to go.

[@phantomrecon4952]

13:43 You're welcome

[@1motomanic]

I seem to have problems soldering sometimes never thought of tinning the wires first, I will be doing it that from now on...thx