i just bought a new flasher from the parts store are relay swicthes and flashers one in the same ?

Question

are they the same part or are they two different parts?

Answer 1

a relay is typically a black rectangular plug that looks almost like a fuse. this is what also makes the "clicking" noise when you use the turn signal ( at least on older model cars ). I'm not sure what you actually purchased, so I can't say for certain. Hope this helps you out some.

Answer 2

A relay switch is an electrically operated switch. A flasher is not a relay. It is a device that breaks contact and makes contact at a repetitious rate.

The points are in series with the input to the coil. When the circuit is energized, the current flows through the coil and the heat from the current breaks contact. When the contact is broken, the magnetic Field around the coil dies and the points come together again, and the cycle is repeated.

You should take a flasher apart some time, You will find it interesting.

One other point: a standard relay can be wired to function as a Flasher, by running the current through the normally closed contact. That way when the circuit is energized the coil pulls in the armature and the connection is broken. The cycle then repeats.

If you would like a schematic ot that operation, just write to me at [e-mail] and I will send you one. Also if you place a Capacitor across the relay coil, it will open and close at a slow rate. the capacitor should be about 1 Micro-Farad. You can do a lot with relays and they are simple to operate.

Answer 3

HUH a short circuit by definition would blow a fuse...

A flasher is a switch that changes state automatically all contained internally. most newer are eletronic but the old days they were a bimetal with a coil wrapped around it. the coil would heat and the bi-metal lever would expand pulling apart the contact turning off the turnsignal. and cooling the coil and it goes back together. then repeat....that's the click click sound you hear.

the relay is a device used for higher amp circuits where a switch like headlight or horn would cause the switch to overheat and fail. the relay is placed in the circuit and designed to handle the higher load where the switch only energizes the coil or the relay..

They can look the same and now days are all located in the vicinity if not in the fuse panel under the dash or the higher amp stuff is located under the hood

Answer 4

no. basically a flasher creates a short circuit while a relay adds a sub-circuit.