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Resistors for Current Limiting


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malogus 
Member - Posts: 2
Member spacespace
Joined: January 07, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: January 07, 2006 at 12:47 AM / IP Logged  

I am trying to install two relays to run my parking lights and trunk switch.  The relays are 30A at 12V, and the fuses at the fuse box for my lights and trunk are 10 and 20 respectively.  Now my question is since the relay is putitng our 30A, I need to step down the current to 10A for my parking lights.  To do so I calculated the resistor i would need as follows. 

Using the equation R = V/I, without a resistor I would get R = 12V / 30A, which is a resistance of .4 ohms.

Stepping down the voltage with the same equation I get R = 12V / 10A, which is a resistance of 1.2 ohms.

Now with my knowledge of resistors, it seems like I would need to add in a resistor of .8 ohms (1.2 - .4 =..8), in order to get the correct current draw.  Can someone help me out and at least confirm that I am on the right track.  It's been a while since my last physics class and I am a little rusty.

the12volt 
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Joined: March 07, 2002
Location: Louisiana, United States
Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:03 AM / IP Logged  

There is no need for resistors. Your lights and trunk release will draw no more current through the relays than they do now. The "30A" only means that the relay is capable of passing up to 30 amps of current through it's contacts. It does increase the current draw of your lights or trunk release.

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malogus 
Member - Posts: 2
Member spacespace
Joined: January 07, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:34 AM / IP Logged  
Thanks!
the12volt 
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Administrator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: March 07, 2002
Location: Louisiana, United States
Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:53 AM / IP Logged  
You're welcome ;)
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