Relay

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=9490
Printed Date: July 27, 2025 at 10:29 PM

Topic: Relay

Posted By: BUFFDAWG21
Subject: Relay
Date Posted: February 13, 2003 at 8:20 PM

I need help hooking up a relay to a switch so that i don;t have have my radio constantly powerd up in my Military vehicle any help out there would be appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: February 13, 2003 at 8:34 PM

why do you need a relay? why not just a toggle?

Posted By: BUFFDAWG21
Date Posted: February 14, 2003 at 2:08 PM

Isn't a relay a better way to do it

Posted By: Big Purds
Date Posted: February 14, 2003 at 5:49 PM

depending on the situation...for something as simple as what you are doing, you could go either way...for simplicity though, why run a bunch of extra wires for a relay when the relay will just be controlled by a toggle or rocker switch anyway??? just buy a switch which is capable of handling the amperage necessary for the radio and avoid the hassle of a relay...

Posted By: BUFFDAWG21
Date Posted: February 14, 2003 at 8:15 PM

Thank's

Posted By: Chris Luongo
Date Posted: February 15, 2003 at 3:22 PM

Yes, a switch will be fine. The radio should have two wires----- one needs constant power (usually yellow), and the other is switched (red). Be sure you apply your switch to the red wire, so you don't lose your station presets and clock every time.

Also, you should use a small fuse---5 amps ought to do----because if the wiring for your switch ever shorted out, you'd rather blow a fuse instead of melting wires, starting fires, and so on.

Wire the fuse as close to the power source as is practical, then on to your switch, then out of the switch and into the radio.