For many car lovers and enthusiasts, modifying and upgrading the features of your vehicle is considered a fun weekend project. This is why learning how to build custom relay panels and wiring harnesses can come in handy especially when your project includes customizing electrical functions or applications. Installing a custom relay panel has plenty of advantages especially for functions that would require smooth high to low electrical transitions.
Custom relay panels act as a switch for different electrical systems in a car. It also helps the system switch from one circuit to another. It sends electric signals according to the input that has been received to different components of the vehicle. Typically, a panel can consist of different relays that make or break multiple electrical connections.
Making a custom relay panel can be done for different types of electronic machines or devices. Different industries such as aerospace and manufacturing all utilize relay panels which are needed to control the flow of electrical current for different functions of the machine. A relay panel can maintain the flow in one part of the circuit while breaking the flow in another and vise versa.
The Main Parts of a Custom Relay Panel
When trying to build a custom relay panel, it is important to plan out your design first. Relay panels are not as complex as one might think once you’re able to identify all the parts that are necessary for your project. The most straightforward type of relay is called an electromechanical relay. Electromechanical relays have four main parts which are as follows:
The Contacts- In a custom relay panel, there is always a stationary and movable contact. The motion of the contacts can be similarly compared to cymbals when opening and closing. When the movable contact touches the stationary contact, electricity can properly flow through. Once they are separated or apart, the electric circuit will then be broken.
The Armature- Since the movable contact needs to either go up or down to make or break a circuit, the armature is the necessary part that guides it to do this motion. It is typically connected to a spring that brings the armature back into its original position when the circuit is at rest.
The Coil- The electromagnetic field that is emitted to perform the switching mechanism comes from the coil which is wrapped around a metal core. It activates the electromagnetic field once the custom relay panel is switched on and causes the armature to bring the contacts together.
The Frame- Understandably, the frame of the custom relay panel is what holds everything together. Each component of the relay panel is securely mounted onto the frame which also protects and reinforces the entire system.
Overview
It’s important to note that the contacts in custom relay panels can wear out over time. Contacts may burn out eventually and may need to be replaced. The life of custom relay panels can last very long providing that the assembly process was done properly. Investing in good quality materials and securing connections are also essential steps you need to take before finalizing your custom relay panel design.