Towing Relays | Introduction | Details
Relays
Relays are switches operated by electromagnetic coils. They are arranged within devices so that, when a current is applied to the electromagnetic coil, the coil causes a switch to operate, switching a current on or off or switching a current from one circuit to another.
"Smart" Towing Relays (Bypass Relays)
Modern cars have to be as economical as possible, and contain complex electronic control and monitoring systems. Towing relays have to be "smart" to match.
Smart Bypass Relays give total protection to the car
Within smart bypass relays, clever electronic circuits control the switching of the relays, interpret complex signals from the car, radically reduce any potential load on car systems, and prevent feedback from the towing relay to the car. Smart relays totally protect the car from any possible damage caused by faults in the trailer.
Some "Towing Relays" are not really relays at all; they are Monitors
Monitors are devices which measure current and react to it by generating some kind of signal. This is usually in the form of an electrical signal capable of lighting a lamp, causing a buzzer to sound or switching a relay.
Monitors are NOT switches although they can be used to trigger relays which are switches.
Examples of monitors are the Audible Flasher Monitor, Trigger Device, Clone Flasher Adaptor.
Examples of monitors operating within relay arrays are the Smart Combination Relay (caravan auxiliary) and the Fog-Cut-Out Relay.
The links at the top of the page describe all these devices in full and the Relay Details button in the main menu detail all the relays with full fitting instructions.