How common is it for relays to short out?

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=84701
Printed Date: May 15, 2025 at 9:10 PM

Topic: How common is it for relays to short out?

Posted By: vancouverbc
Subject: How common is it for relays to short out?
Date Posted: October 26, 2006 at 7:44 PM

I was just wondering how they short out when they do? thanks.

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1991 240sx
alarm=model 2620.web central door locking system

Replies:

Posted By: hotwaterwizard
Date Posted: October 26, 2006 at 11:33 PM

The contacts ark from heavy loads and weld themselves together.

This is a good indication that a larger relay is needed.

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John DeRosa (Hotwaterwizard)
Stockton California
When in doubt, try it out !

Posted By: vancouverbc
Date Posted: October 27, 2006 at 1:31 AM

https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5093/0001277wr7.jpg

Not sure what contacts you mean. I can see the contacts inside the relay that open and close by coil could weld but would that be a short? The same polarity would be on both sides. I wonder if the coil sometimes gets a short and causes the two polarities to meet.

The external terminals(the part you plug in. look like plug) look too far apart to arc. thanks for your help.

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1991 240sx
alarm=model 2620.web central door locking system