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Resistors for Current Limiting

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=70219
Printed Date: May 23, 2024 at 8:01 AM


Topic: Resistors for Current Limiting

Posted By: malogus
Subject: Resistors for Current Limiting
Date Posted: January 07, 2006 at 12:47 AM

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.




Replies:

Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:03 AM

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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Posted By: malogus
Date Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:34 AM
Thanks!




Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: January 07, 2006 at 1:53 AM
You're welcome ;)

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