Relays not Closing Properly

[LB]

Alright. Further explained. This is a diagram of what I'm constructing. This is a control console for wiring in my truck for an emergency lighting and comms system. This diagram shows just the wiring of the relays.



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(I have the Lighted Switches powered by a separate +12V Feed so that the switches can be lit. However, the actual accessory that is connected to the switch is ultimately controlled by the three main control switches.)



So what I have is my +12V feed connected to the constant wire of the first relay and one pole of a key switch. On the other pole of the key switch is a wire leading to the switched power for the first relay. Closing this relay sends +12V Output to the three primary relays. There are then 3 switches that control each of the individual relays, wired through the switched power to the primary relays. Thus, switching on a switch closes its respective relay. This sends a constant power to the control console where all the individual switches for each of the lighting systems and comms systems are. The lighted switches that control power to the individual systems have a separate power feed so that they can remain lit at all times. This is so I know what I am about to power on before I actually hit the main control switch. Only when the primary relays are closed is power sent to the constant leg of the secondary relays. And still, the switches have to be on for the individual accessory to power on.



What is happening is when I power on the primary relays, they close for a millisecond, and then immediately open. I have no clue why this is happening!?!? Any ideas?

 

[Todd Z]

Edited

Todd Z

 

[LB]

edited.

 

[Todd Z]

Edited

Todd Z

 

[LB]

edited.

 

[Michael Cacioppo]

The indicator bulbs are wired in series with the coil relay. Initially the resistance is low enough to allow enough voltage to the coil, then they heat up and the coil doesn't get enough voltage to maintain the relay closure. The indicator bulb should should be wired from the switch to the ground terminal and not in series. This way when the switch is closed, 12 Volts are available across the bulb AND the relay coil.

 

[LB]

and actually, the switches controlling the primary relays are single pole double throw switches with a red led lamp in its path - no ground there.

 

[LB]

so something like this...



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---minus that ground

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I think Mike has got the correct answer. And yes, the post above mine is a better way to go as the bulb is not in line (series) there fore the relay is getting the correct amperage/power to it at all times...

 

[LB]

alright fellas. thanks for shedding some light on the subject... i'll go add that wire to make it in parallel and let you guys know what results. thanks a lot!!!

 

[Bill Ellis]

Here is the way you need to connect the LED's. Be sure to use the kind that already have the resistor built into the bulb.

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[LB]

Yes Bill_e! I just came in to check the post... and that is exactly what I did. Thanks MikeC and ToddZ for the advice! You guys always come through for me! Awesome. (I feel like I just won the lottery.... well somewhat like that) LB

 

[Michael Cacioppo]

LB, you can use terminal 85 for the bulb ground.