Relay switch for hatch lift

[ezwoo]

I have had two relay switches for the hatch lift fail in the last year. When the switch is hard wired it works just fine. Why do you need a relay and why does it fail?

 

[Henry Boyd]

A relay in its simplest application allows one circuit to control another. A common use is to use a low current circuit to control a circuit requiring greater. This allows you to have a dashboard wiring harness of 14 gauge wire control things with current requirements that need 6 gauge (like your windlass).

There are a lot of other applications for relays.

I can't answer why the relays are failing with your engine hatch lift, but I suspect you should get to the bottom of the problem and not continue to hardwire the lift. The relay failures are an indication of an underlying problem. Take them out of the circuit and you risk damaging something else. Since relays are definitely cheaper than hatch actuators, or a wiring loom meltdown, you can do the math.

Henry

 

[ezwoo]

Thank you for the thoughtful response.