I'm sure you guys will be more than willing to help me out on this, but I have seen several installs that would require/recommend the use of a relay (i.e. HellaHorn Supertone Horn Upgrade). It asks that you use a relay for the install. Now what exactly is a relay for? Do most installs that require it usually include it with the kit?

Thanks for the help

 

I thought about trying to explain them, but found something much simplier for you.

Take a moment to read this, then see if you have any additional questions.

 

to sum it up:

they allow you to use a little switch for a big thing that draws alot of power.

 

^^ thats it.

Lets you use a small load to control a larger one.

 

^^ to add.. make sure thingies don't go kaboom and fire

 

Not true! HellaHorn is simple plug-n-play. You don't need the relay. Instead of disconnecting the battery, I just took out the horn fuse. I was too lazy to 'reset' my tC.

 

well.. sometimes the stock wiring can handle the extra load.. sometimes it can't...

better to be safe than be a screaming alpha.

 

dont forget theyare also used to switch polarity, make a specific resistance.. or to isolate different wiring/devices....

i love to over complicate things...

 

^^ yes, if you need to switch polarity, use a relay. There are 4 wire and 5 wire relays. the 5 wire has a normally closed and normally open connection. That's how (for example) low beams turn off when the high beams are turned on in some cars.