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Benefits of a Horn Relay and the Right Way to Install It

Benefits of a Horn Relay and the Right Way to Install It

Understanding the benefits and installation procedures for horn relays is key to increasing the reliability and efficiency of your vehicle's horn

The horn is a crucial component of a vehicle that plays a role not only as a signal of danger, but also as a means of requesting the right of way or saying hello. Horn relays have a key role in ensuring optimal horn function. This article will explain the horn relay, its working principle, functions, advantages, and correct installation procedures.

What is a Horn Relay?

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The horn relay is a vital electrical component in a vehicle that regulates the flow of electricity to the horn. The horn requires a large electric current to produce a loud sound. Sending large currents directly from the horn switch can damage the switch due to heat and current overload. Horn relays play an important role in controlling these large electrical currents safely and efficiently.

The horn relay circuit consists of several terminals with specific functions. Terminal 30 of the relay is usually connected directly to the positive terminal of the car battery, functioning as the main electrical current source. Terminal 87 is connected to the positive terminal of the horn, which is the main path of electrical current to the horn.

Next, relay legs 85 and 86 are control legs which are connected to the horn and ground. When the horn switch is pressed, legs 85 and 86 receive an electric current signal to activate the relay, so that electric current from leg 30 can flow to leg 87 and then to the horn.

How the Horn Relay Works

The horn relay operates on the principle of electromagnetism. When electric current is applied to relay terminals 85 and 86 via the horn switch, the coil in the relay will be affected by the magnetic field created. This causes the contacts in the relay to move, thereby connecting terminal 30 with terminal 87.

By connecting these contacts, electric current from the car battery flows directly to the horn without passing through the horn switch. This process occurs quickly and repeatedly every time the horn switch is activated, allowing the horn to sound responsively and efficiently.

Horn Relay Function

The main function of the horn relay is to regulate the flow of large electric current to the horn more efficiently and safely. The relay allows the horn switch to not directly handle large currents, preventing damage due to heat or excess current.

The horn relay also plays a role in protecting other electrical components from the risk of damage due to current surges when the horn is activated. Therefore, the use of relays not only increases the reliability of the horn but also helps extend the service life of the vehicle's electrical components.

Benefits of Installing a Horn Relay

Installing a horn relay on a vehicle offers a variety of important benefits. The main benefit is increased horn reliability through more efficient control of electrical flow. The relay allows control of the large electrical current required to activate the horn more accurately and safely, ensuring the horn operates responsively and consistently.

The use of relays also protects the combination switch from damage caused by large electric currents. A protected horn switch will be more durable against heat and high current, extending its service life. Horn relays also reduce the risk of problems with other electrical components by maintaining a stable and controlled flow of electricity.

How to Install a Horn Relay

The horn relay installation process can be carried out in several simple stages, which depend on the vehicle's electrical system, whether it is a negative or positive system.

  • Negative System

First, make sure the vehicle is not running and the ignition key is removed for safety. Identify the horn relay pins and check that the connections comply with the installation instructions. Relay pin number 30 must be connected to the positive terminal of the car battery using a thick enough cable, while relay pin number 87 is connected to the positive terminal of the horn. Then, relay pins number 85 and 86 must be connected to the horn and ground using the proper cable. Make sure all connections are secure and secure before starting the vehicle to try the horn.

  • Positive System

In the positive system, the procedure is similar to the negative system but there are some differences. Relay terminal number 30 remains connected to the positive terminal of the car battery with a thick cable. Meanwhile, relay terminal number 87 is connected directly to the positive part of the horn. Then, relay terminal number 85 is connected to the horn, and relay terminal number 86 is connected to ground. Make sure all connections are installed correctly and firmly before restarting the vehicle to try the horn.

Questions About Horn Relays

  • Why do you have to use a relay to install the horn??

Using a relay for horn installation is very important because the relay can regulate large electrical currents more efficiently and safely, thus protecting other electronic components from damage.

  • How many amperes is the relay for the horn?

The amperage relay for the horn generally has a range between 30A to 40A, according to the needs of the horn and the vehicle's electrical system.

  • How does an electric horn work?

Electric horns operate on the principle of electromagnetic force, which causes the components inside to move and produce a characteristic sound when an electric current flows through them.

Andre Yulianto

Andre Yulianto

How puzzling all these changes are! I'm never sure what I'm going to turn into a tidy little room.