12V Relay Alternatives
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=145915
Printed Date: May 05, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Topic: 12V Relay Alternatives
Posted By: itolond
Subject: 12V Relay Alternatives
Date Posted: January 05, 2020 at 7:12 PM
Hi Forum,
I am looking to operate car cabin lights (very low power draw) this would be operated from a capacitive touch switch which has a 500ma load max which I am guessing is too small for my needs.
So I am looking for a very simple relay (or alternative ) which can fill this role . Standard relays are too large and over the top for my need (amperage size and wire gauges)
"i thought about the relays used in arduino units" - but not sure
Replies:
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: January 05, 2020 at 7:55 PM
Use a transistor. Have you figured out your total current/power needs?
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: itolond
Date Posted: January 05, 2020 at 7:58 PM
these will vary but for the most part unde 1.5A tops
Posted By: geepherder
Date Posted: January 06, 2020 at 6:08 AM
You should be able to source a transistor rated at 5-10 amps for cheap enough. Then you just need a base resistor.
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: January 06, 2020 at 10:04 PM
An "Arduino" relay would be more than adequate and is reasonably small. Something like this:
https://abra-electronics.com/electromechanical/relays/pcb-mtg-1a-2a/rdp-140-mini-dip-relay-12vdc-3a-spdt-rdp-140.html
It is much simpler for a novice to use than a transistor for switching the high side from an open drain output from a sensor.
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