How do I know if I need a relay?

I would like to know if I need a relay or not? How do I know a relay is necessary?

For example, I installed ditch lights and used a relay when I wired it together.

Now I plan to install a Weboost Cell Booster and hard wire it.

Will I need to use a relay before the on / off switch?

Thanks for any advise you can provide.

 

Whats the load of the weboost? Will you use a signal wire from the truck to turn it on or adding a switch? What switch will you be using?

 

The short answer is you need a relay if you need to control more current than your switch is rated for.


There are other reasons too - some people like to keep all the high power wiring under the hood, for example.

 

All the specs I see are either 5v/2.1A or 12v/1.5A
A switch and a fuse is likely all you need.

 

When I installed my Weboost Drive Reach, I used a CH 4x4 switch. I contacted both Weboost and CH 4x4. After discussing the power draw, we determined that a relay was not needed and the power draw was less than the max the switch was rated for.
I have used it quite a bit up in the mountains and have had no issues.

 

These are the specs of the Weboost Amp.


Drive Reach Specs:

• Frequencies:
  • Band 12/17 700 MHz
  • Band 13 700 MHz
  • Band 5 850 MHz
  • Band 4 1700/2100 MHz
• Band 25*/2 1900 MHz
• Max gain: 50 dB
• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Power: 5v
• Amp Draw: 4.5a
• Connectors: SMB

Booster dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 1.5 in.

I have these relays

$26 irhapsody 5 Pack 40/30 AMP 12V DC Waterproof Relay and Harness - Heavy Duty 12 AWG Tinned Copper Wires, 5-PIN SPDT Automotive Relay

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074FSZWVT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Looks like just a fuse and switch is needed.

Thank You for your help guys!

 

It pretty much comes down to a personal Choice !

Wire the complete Circuit with a heavy enough switch and wire to handle the load.

Some people will use a relay for every application( depending on the length of the circuit) to save on wire cost since things went price crazy.

 

Can you drop some photos of the wiring setup? I'm literally trying to draw up plans to replicate this thread. CH4x4 Weboost switch to my Blueseas Fuse block.

From what I gather, I have to cut the end of the 12V power source and get to soldering. I'm spacing on the setup though.

If I use the Amazon Relay you dropped, its just the blue wire to the WeBoost power source and the red wire to the fuse block?

 

OP did you end up wiring your weboost to a switch? I just put one in and would like to do the same with one of these: https://caliraisedled.com/products/...-flux-capacitor-switch?variant=41017246679082 Also curious about if a relay is needed - seems like it isn't... would love to know how you ended up setting yours up hard-wired with the switch.

 

The simple answer is yes. You can purchase a single lead wiring harness already set up with a relay for fairly cheap. You would then order a custom switch form CH4x4 (or any place) and mate it to the purchased wire harness. It's really not difficult to do.

Here is a link for a single lead.

https://amzn.to/3TvnLR9

In the pic you can see the switch that comes with the harness. You would be replacing that switch with whatever switch you want. Unless you really enjoy making your own harnesses and already have the random parts floating around in your garage. This is the easiest, cheapest way to get the entire package in one shot.