lock actuator is this the right relay?

I purchased a 5 pin relay at an autoparts store.  It has two 87 pins and not an 87a.  I'm using two of these relays to try and add actuators to my car alarm because it doesn't have power locks.  What does the a stand for?  Is this the right relay?  Where should i look to get the correct relay if this one isn't?

I can't imagine what relay you could have that has 5 prongs and two 87's! Anyway, it takes two relays to make an actuator work not one. The easiest solution would be to buy a DEI realy #451M. It is designed to control power actuators. Another alternative is to buy 2 bosch type relays and wire them yourself.

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Mike M2
Tech Manager
CS Dealer Services

Those relays are great for vehicles with a separate left and right parking light circuit, but you'll need to bring it back and get two SPDT relays. The "a" or 87a is the terminal that has continuity with the common  terminal (30) of an SPDT relay. Terminal 87 is the normally open terminal and only has continuity with the common terminal when the coil of the relay is energized.

BTW, on the relay you have now, the two 87 terminals should only have continuity with each other and terminal 30 when the coil is energized.

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the12volt • Support the12volt.com

As Mike M2 said, the 451M is a nice piece. It contains DEI's "extreme capacity relays", which makes the box itself substantially smaller than using standard relays.

To your question about the 2 87 terminals on one relay, yes these are pretty common but they will not work for your application. You application each of the actuator wires rest at ground (take a look at this diagram). When the relay has 2 87 terminals there is no 'normally closed' points on the relay. The relays need to have the 87a terminal to function properly for your application. The parts store you bought those from should have the correct relays available.

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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.