Difference Between Relay and Fuse
#1
08-18-04, 10:26 AM
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Difference Between Relay and Fuse
I plugged a flood light into my car's cigar/cigarette lighter and thought I blew a fuse. I could not locate a fuse for the lighter so I looked in the manual. The manual indicates the lighter uses a relay. I found the relay for the lighter, but I could not dislodge it (at least not by pulling on it gently).
1. What's the difference between a relay and a fuse?
Thanks,
William
1. What's the difference between a relay and a fuse?
Thanks,
William
#2
08-18-04, 10:53 AM
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by definition...
...a fuse protects a circuit from overload and a relay is a control device that uses a small amount of electrical current to control a larger amount or current.
#3
08-18-04, 11:42 AM
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Thanks for the describing the difference.
This might be a stupid question, but can a relay be reset or something, or do I need to buy a new relay. I know it shouldn't be too expensive, I'm just curious. If I need to replace the relay, shouldn't it just pull out of its cradle?
Thanks,
William
This might be a stupid question, but can a relay be reset or something, or do I need to buy a new relay. I know it shouldn't be too expensive, I'm just curious. If I need to replace the relay, shouldn't it just pull out of its cradle?
Thanks,
William
Last edited by WmHeffernan; 08-18-04 at 11:56 AM.
#6
08-19-04, 04:20 AM
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although...
...i think it odd that a cig lighter circuit is relay controlled, i won't argue that point. the real point is that ALL circuits on every car are protected in some way (with the exception of improperly installed aftermarket devices). your problem still sounds like a blown fuse to me...most cig circuits are 15 or 20 amp...depending on the wattage of the flood light you used would determine if you exceeded the current rating of the circuit.
i think you should find the fuse box(s), there may be more than one...and check the fuses, preferably with a test light
i think you should find the fuse box(s), there may be more than one...and check the fuses, preferably with a test light
#7
08-19-04, 06:43 AM
On my car the lighter (accessory socket) is ignition switched. I would suspect that they use low amperage wiring from the ignition switch thru a relay to handle the higher potential amperage at the socket. Like carguyinva says, I'm sure there is a fuse in the lighter circuit which has blown.
#8
08-19-04, 04:07 PM
Are you sure you don't mean circuit breaker?I would like to know what kind of vehicle this is because I have never seen a relay for a cigar lighter myself.I'm not saying it isn't possible but I've always found blown fuses to be at fault.The fuse that is blown may not be marked cigar lighter it may be an accessory power tap fuse or something of that type.
#9
04-18-09, 09:12 AM
fuse , screw on cigar lighter
Hello, I am looking for a fuse? that screws onto the bottom of cigar lighter socket in a car , (Studebaker) don't laugh.
I have seen pictures of fords and mo-par 60-64 with the same one. Any help for source of these would be appreciated. thanks Roland, avantir3@yahoo.com
I have seen pictures of fords and mo-par 60-64 with the same one. Any help for source of these would be appreciated. thanks Roland, avantir3@yahoo.com
