Do relays work with any voltage?

[kawakid]

Just a thought.

I've quickly just wired in some heated over grips ie to the battery.

I've got a relay and I know most people either relay from the lights or the brake.

However, I have a spade terminal on my bike that shows +5V when the ignition is on, (its near the ECU), but no idea what its for.

Can I use that ? Or do the voltages need to match.

Thanks

[finpos]

Relays often work over a quite wide range of voltages, so it might work.

HOWEVER, Since you don't know what this wire actually is, I would defintitely NOT risk putting any kind of load on it. It may lead to unexpected consequences.

finpos.

[Arfdog]

If it's a +5V on a 12V system, its almost certainly the digital output of a TTL logic gate. It may be able to drive the relay if its a 5V relay, but i wouldn't chance it.

You have to find out what excitation voltage the relay needs, as you wouldn't want to drive a 5V relay with 12V. If its an automotive relay, it'll want 12V drive. Taking the 12V from the headlight would be a good idea, cos then you can turn the heated grips on and off if need be too, if you don't mind turning your headlamp off on hot days..
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