5-pin SPDT (single pole, double throw) automotive relay.

Relays are essentially two parts in one package. The first part is an inductive coil (pins 85 and 86). This coil is the “trigger” function of the relay. By applying both a positive (+) and ground (-) to the contacts, current passes through the coil. When current passes through the coil, a magnetic field is generated and moves the switch (the arrow in the diagram). This is where the second part of the relay comes into play.

The second part of the relay is the “switch.” The switch has three interface contacts—common, normally closed, and normally open. “Normally” refers to the state of the relay not being energized.

While relays can be used for virtually any task, there are some very useful, simple applications for adding LED lighting to a vehicle. Please note that this wiring only pertains to the relay—not the wires in the vehicle. Before interfacing with a wire in a vehicle, always ensure you test the wire with a digital multimeter first to confirm circuit function.

Positive Switching

Positive switching is used for applications where the “trigger” for your switch or circuit is positive. This could be an ignition, brake, or reverse light wire for example.  This could be used for applications such as off-road light bars, work lights, additional brake lights, and other exterior lighting.

Negative Switching

Negative switching is used for applications where the “trigger” for your switch or circuit is negative. Negative triggers are often found in door, hatch, and trunk triggers as well as many interior switches. This could be used for applications such as footwell lighting, truck bed lighting, under-hood lighting, and other interior lighting.

Switch Activated With Ignition Override

This is useful for applications where you want to turn your light on or off with a switch but only want the light to remain on when the car is running or key is in the “ignition” position. The main advantage to this is—even if the switch is left on—the light (or output circuit) will shut off when the key is turned off so that the battery will not be run down.

For technical questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll free at 866-590-3533. Our customer service and technical support teams are available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Friday.

Doing your own yard work is a rewarding experience. While there is always the option of hiring a landscape company to take care of your lawn needs, it is often a job many homeowners would like to take on themselves. It is an excellent way to get some exercise while working with your hands. One of the biggest motivators to taking care of your own yard work is the cost savings. The money you save by taking care of your own landscaping needs gives you more money to put back into the landscaping. Landscaping is not complete without adequate lighting. Although you may want to do all the work yourself, landscape lighting is one job you will want to hire a Glendale electrician to take care of. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help you.

Many homeowners who tackle their landscaping needs on their own will usually opt to install solar lights. These lights are quick and easy to install and require very little effort. They can be placed anywhere in the landscaping, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will work effectively. Solar lights need at least 8 hours of sunlight to recharge. If the lights are placed under trees or thick shrubs that get very little sun, the solar lights will not recharge and will not light up when darkness falls.

Electric landscape lights require a little more effort to install, but they will remain lit throughout the night whether the sun shone on the lights or not. Because the lights will require electrical wire, you will want to hire an electrician. Glendale residents will appreciate the reliability of electric landscaping lights. Your electrician will wire the lights into the home’s electric panel. You can opt to have a timer installed for the lights or a manual switch for you to control when the lights are turned off and on. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your landscape lighting installation.

Choosing the right size depends on the level of energy independence that a renewable energy owner wants. It may simply boil down to what you can afford. These levels range from 100 percent or completely off the grid (the most costly), to a simple energy backup for emergencies.

100% energy independence or completely off the grid: this requires a huge investment in terms of generation and storage. In addition, it may require other power sources such as fossil fuels or wind generators.

High energy independence: This requires a solar system with enough batteries to last a few days or even through the winter. PV systems are sized to enable the owner to have surplus energy to store during summer and be self-sufficient through winter without relying too much on the grid. The customer will still rely on the grid for backup just in case there are prolonged days of bad weather.

Summertime independence: Customer installs just enough panels and storage capacity to get through a normal summer day but will have to draw power from the grid during the winter.

Peak time independence: Battery size should be large enough to supply power during peak times when electricity rates are highest.

Reduced reliance on the grid during peak times: Some customers cannot afford to install enough storage to cover their entire peak time usage. In such a case, some will install a system that will enable them to at least reduce part of their grid usage during these times.

Emergency power backup: This requires smaller energy storage, enough to cover a short power outage. Some customers use this together with fuel generators. Battery storage is only required for the short duration from the time grid power goes out, to when the alternative power becomes available.

Even though a solar energy system is a great investment that reduces your electricity bills, it is not possible to completely get off the grid without investing in large storage systems. However, adding modest battery storage to a grid connected to solar systems is a better way of increasing your independence from the grid without spending too much.

Most marketers have online tools that can help you get the right size battery based on various factors. However, it is advisable to consult professionals for the best advice.

Customers with solar systems are increasingly adding battery storage to reduce their electricity costs or become independent from the grid. With better technology and prices getting lower every day, battery storage is becoming an appealing component to many solar power system owners.

This type of storage allows the customer to charge their batteries during the day and then discharge them when there is no generation. This permits homeowners and businesses to have a backup power source and save on electricity bills. In addition, you can sail through cloudy periods or other times when power generation is low.

You may not be aware, but you can have Top Dallas Electrician, ElectricMan Inc. can offer a way to avoid these charges, and Lower Electric Bills by making sure that you are using the least amount of electric company power as possible during peak times.

An Indoor Generator is a unique solution that allows you to store power, either from your power grid when it is cheaper, or utilizing other renewable energy sources, and decide when you want to use it. This highly intelligent equipment allows you to program when and where you get your electricity, providing incredible independence and capabilities for Lower Electric Bills.

Take this as an example.  One local electric company uses a general rule of enforcing peak usage fees between 4pm and 8pm, so programming your system to use power stored during off peak hours at these times will allow you to stop paying these peak usage fees, and only pay the standard rate for electricity during normal usage hours.  This is a far more effective solution, since it is impractical for most home owners to change their schedule and stop using power during these times.

Once you have an Indoor Generator system in place and programmed, the system will automatically switch to your stored power during the times that you have chosen, leaving you worry free about when you are using your electricity!