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current draw of a relay?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Relays
Forum Discription: Relay Diagrams, SPDT Relays, SPST Relays, DPDT Relays, Latching Relays, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=105465
Printed Date: May 14, 2025 at 1:37 PM


Topic: current draw of a relay?

Posted By: overworked
Subject: current draw of a relay?
Date Posted: June 14, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Hey guys, I'm just interested to know...a GPS tracking unit that I might be working with has two 12volt outputs rated @ 75ma.....you think I can throw a relay with that?....safely?

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Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: June 15, 2008 at 8:31 PM

A standard Bosch/Tyco relay has a 75 ohm coil which means it pulls 160Milliamps.  Way too much for your Gps device to power.  You can still power the relay with a transistor.  I have no idea what sources you have there to get a transistor.  I can give you an NTE part number if there is a supplier there.   An NTE 331  or a 2n6488   or a TIP3055 will all do what you need.  Let me know if you can get either of these and I will draw you a diagram.

RadioShack (A stateside electronics retailer) does sell a relay with a 400 ohm coil, this will have a 30 Milliamp draw.  Maybe you can find something there.


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