please help me with my Relay array

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Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD
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please help me with my Relay array

Post by Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD »

Hi Guys, I've just come across something I cant crack on my own, please help!

I am using a single relay on my Fuel pump output to switch a ground that is common to my other accessory relays that I want switched with the F.P. (one of which is the F.P. itself)

with 2 relays on the common ground the array worked fine, but I have recently added 2 more and the relays are now staying on, I have tried disconnecting them and checking resistance, they are all 130-150k then connect 1 at a time, 2 is fine, the third I can JUST feel toggle then number 4 goes "clunk".
Is there for some reason a limit to the amount of relays that can share a ground?
relay array.png
relay array.png (10.58 KiB) Viewed 493 times
(edit)Actually I should clarify that all the relays do not share a common +12v supply, I just tapped-into a supply and at least one shares the supply for the output with the supply for the relay. Could this be a feedback issue?
So it actually looks more like this...
relay arrayb.png
relay arrayb.png (13.16 KiB) Viewed 481 times
Anyone have some input on this?

thanks in advance!
Last edited by Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD on Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
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DaveEFI
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by DaveEFI »

To prevent relays interacting, fit a diode in series with the coil. 1N4001 is a suitable type. If might be possible to buy them with one built in.

BTW, I doubt the coils measure at 140,000 ohms.
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Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD »

(edited first post)
Want a neat way to Check & Set Ignition timing AND CRANK the motor at the same time BY YOURSELF?
A little thing I made up... https://youtu.be/PajlPNF5mmQ
Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by Subaru_EA82_4EAT_AWD »

DaveEFI wrote:To prevent relays interacting, fit a diode in series with the coil. 1N4001 is a suitable type. If might be possible to buy them with one built in.

BTW, I doubt the coils measure at 140,000 ohms.
...thanks so, make it more like this?
relay arrayc.png
relay arrayc.png (13.6 KiB) Viewed 477 times
Are the diodes better-off on the ground side or the power side?
and yeah, I rechecked and the coils measure around 80ohms
Want a neat way to Check & Set Ignition timing AND CRANK the motor at the same time BY YOURSELF?
A little thing I made up... https://youtu.be/PajlPNF5mmQ
DaveEFI
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by DaveEFI »

Yes- that's the way. May not actually need a diode for every coil, but won't do any harm.
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Six_Shooter
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by Six_Shooter »

It sounds like you may have stumbled on creating a latching relay, by connecting the pins in such a way to self trigger, or rather are looped between contacts and coil.

If you could draw a complete diagram of all connections, that would help sort out what's going on.

A test though would be to disconnect the load side of the new relays and make sure that the relays will switch on and off correctly.

It's also possible that you have internally suppressed relays (diodes across the coil internally) that could be causing the issue.

Using a standard Bosch style 30/40 relay you would be able to run about 90 relays off one main control relay. A typical Bosch style draws around 300 mA, and the continuous current capability of the contacts of a typical Bosch style relay is 30A.
Last edited by Six_Shooter on Tue Dec 26, 2017 9:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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LAV1000
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Re: please help me with my Relay array

Post by LAV1000 »

I think you created a loop between a switched 12V and your switched (relay) grounds.
Make sure that the connected grounds of the relay array isn't connected to anything else.
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