Checking Relays

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Relays may be classified as the normally open-type or the normally closed-type, depending on their contact construction.

Fig 1: Checking Relay Normally Open (NO) Type
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 2: Checking Relay Normally Closed (NC) Type (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 3: Checking Relay Normally Closed (NC) Type (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

NOTE: The de-energized state means that no current is flowing through the coil. The energized state means that current is flowing through the coil. When a normally closed relay as illustrated here is checked, there should be continuity between terminals 1 and 2 and between terminals 3 and 4 when the relay is de-energized. There should be no continuity between terminals 3 and 4 when battery voltage and ground are applied to terminals 1 and 2.

Fig 4: Identifying Current Flows Through Coil
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
When current flows through the coil of a relay, its core is magnetized to attract the iron piece, closing (ON) the contact at the tip of the iron piece. When the coil current is turned off, the iron piece returns to its original position by a spring, opening the contact (OFF).
By using a relay, a heavy current can be turned on and off by a switch using much less current. For example, in the circuit shown here, when the switch is turned on (closed), current flows to the coil of the relay. Then, its contact is turned on (closed) and the light comes on. The current flowing through the switch is much less than that for the light.

Fig 5: Identifying Power Supply Circuit
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.