what's the difference?
2007-06-18 17:40:33 · 8 answers · asked by Papi Tony 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A fan switch is a mechanical switch that makes a set of contacts. A relay is also a switch but it has an electric coil that is energized when current is applied. This current will make a magnetic field and pull in a set of contacts electrically. Relays are used when there is a larger current draw. the contacts can be a lot bigger than with a switch that is manually thrown. good luck.
2007-06-18 18:15:09 · answer #1 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fan switch controls the fan relay,the relay controls the fan.The fan switch is usually a ground switch and is normally located close to the thermostat which is the hottest part of cooling system,there are normally 4 wires on the relay,one is from the ignition power,one is battery power and one supplies the fan as the switch gets up to the predetermined temp to turn the fan on the switch contacts inside close and go to ground turning the relay on now you have battery power going through relay to fan.
2007-06-18 17:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by the bear facts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A switch doesn't have to be operated manually. Some time opening a door can trigger an automatic switch. But in general a switch turn on/off electrical current by some mechanical means.
A relay is used to turn on/off using another electrical signal (usually lower voltage and / or current). For instance, you car's computer and only put out very weak voltage / current. So when it wants to turn on your radiator fan, it has to send the signal to a relay, that in turn turns on/off the more powerful fan.
NOTE: relay can reverse the on/off signal. A computer can send an ON signal and the relay can be wired to turn things off at this point.
2007-06-18 17:52:29 · answer #3 · answered by Lover not a Fighter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple answer a relay is put in a system as a part that will fail and protect the system from overheating or shorting. A switch will not turn off by itself and if heat becomes excessive it still will keep a curcuit connected unless the amp draw is excessive the fuse will not blow.
2007-06-18 17:56:19 · answer #4 · answered by wreck and rust 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Switch has to be operated manually while relay acts as automatic switch. Switching of relay depends on power conditions.
2007-06-18 17:48:07 · answer #5 · answered by ninadsave2003 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A relay is a remote switch, operated by sending a current to it. A switch is right where you flip it. ~
2007-06-18 17:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
kiss---keep it simple stupid
fan switch--sends signal(low amps and smaller wire) to turn on fan
fan relay--take signal(low amps) and creates another path(bigger wire for higher amps) to operate fan
2007-06-18 18:10:19 · answer #7 · answered by jp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whats the difference between PRINCE OF TROLLS and A WWE Diva? One of them is a woman! Oh, and there's the Diva too...
2016-05-19 06:47:40 · answer #8 · answered by lura 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋