DME relay ampage?

[CharlesJones]

Hi All,

I've just bought a spare DME relay for my 3.2. There's nothing wrong with my existing one, but was just intending to put the new one in the car and the existing one in the glove box as a spare. However, I was just about to remove my existing one when I saw it has printed on it "12V / 15 Amp", whereas the new one is "12V / 30 Amp". I don't know jack all about electrics and relays etc, but is this ampage difference a problem? The car is an '84 Euro spec carrera from Switzerland.

Many thanks for your help.

[CharlesJones]

Anyone got any ideas? I just need know if my new DME relay is safe to use, given the amp difference to my existing one.

Thanks.

[silverc4s]

Chris,
I think that 15A or 30A is a rating for the current that the contacts can handle (switch on and off) without damage, not the current needed to activate. Bigger numbers just mean a better design and materials used. 30 amps is way more current than that relay coil needs to operate.
The fuse in that circuit will tell the story. I will try to find it, but I suppose that it's a 5 amp or so circuit.

[CharlesJones]

Thanks Bill - that's put my mind at rest, so I think I'll go ahead and just whack it in.

Thanks for your help.

[rick-l]

I think they are iterchangable

Need DME relay education

[CharlesJones]

Thanks rick-I - that's very helpful. I did do a search on the forums but I didn't find the thread you sent me - I think there must be a knack to doing searches!