5 Relay Wiring Diagram Explained

Understanding a 5 relay wiring diagram is essential for anyone looking to control multiple circuits or high-power devices with a low-power switch. These diagrams are fundamental for automotive applications, home automation, and industrial controls, allowing for safe and efficient operation. Let's dive into the intricacies of a 5 relay wiring diagram.

What is a 5 Relay Wiring Diagram?

A 5 relay wiring diagram illustrates how to connect five individual relays to control various electrical circuits. Relays are electromagnetic switches that use a small current to control a much larger current. This is incredibly useful because it prevents the sensitive control circuitry (like a dashboard switch) from being exposed to the high voltage or amperage of the device being powered (like a horn or auxiliary lights). A typical 5 relay wiring diagram will show how to connect the power source, the control circuit (low voltage), and the load circuit (high voltage) for each of the five relays.

The core components you'll find in any 5 relay wiring diagram are:

• Power Source: This is where the energy comes from, usually a battery or a main power supply.
• Relay Terminals:
  • 85 & 86: These are the coil terminals. Applying voltage to these terminals energizes the electromagnet, causing the switch to activate.
  • 30: This is the common terminal. It's connected to the power source when the relay is energized.
  • 87: This is the normally open (NO) terminal. It's connected to the common terminal (30) when the relay is energized.
  • 87a: This is the normally closed (NC) terminal. It's connected to the common terminal (30) when the relay is *not* energized.
• Control Switch: A low-power switch that initiates the relay's action.
• Load: The device being powered (e.g., lights, motor, fan).

The importance of using a 5 relay wiring diagram lies in its ability to isolate high-power circuits from low-power control circuits, thus protecting sensitive electronics and preventing electrical hazards.

Here's a simplified breakdown of how one relay functions within a 5 relay wiring diagram:

1. When the control switch is activated, it sends a small current to the relay's coil (terminals 85 and 86).
2. This energizes the coil, creating a magnetic field.
3. The magnetic field pulls an internal armature, closing the connection between the common terminal (30) and the normally open terminal (87).
4. Power from the source (connected to terminal 30) now flows through to the load (connected to terminal 87), activating the device.
5. When the control switch is released, the coil de-energizes, and the switch returns to its normal position, breaking the circuit to the load.

A 5 relay wiring diagram simply replicates this setup five times, allowing for the control of five separate circuits. This can be useful for tasks like:

For a clear and detailed illustration of how to wire five relays together, refer to the comprehensive guide provided in the next section.