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Battery relay

jacksel

Well Known Member
I have 2 batteries installed in my RV7. I noticed both relays get quite warm when they've been on a while, even with very little load. Is this normal or should I be concerned? Thanks
 
Depending on the relay being used, this may well be within normal expectation. The solenoid is in a tin can. Its coil is dissipating 10 watts or more - that's just the juice flowing through the solenoid coil to keep the contacts engaged. That's a fair amount of heat being generated.
 
Make sure the parts are "Master Solenoids" not "Starter Solenoids".

AKA: Continuous Duty rated.....

"Battery contactor (aka master relay, master contactor, master solenoid) is a “Continuous Duty” relay meaning it can be turned on indefinitely. This relay will become warm during normal operations. This contactor draws just under 1A at 14v."

See page 3...
 
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Thanks for the replies. The solenoids are the same ones van has been selling I think for many years. I just never noticed how much heat they generate. I sometimes start worrying over things for no good reason. I blame the dementia...wait.....what was I talking about? Also, it is the master (continuous duty) relay.
 
Flir

While playing around with my Flir on my iphone, I was surprised how hot the Master Relay is during operation,
Temp shown is not the hottest part of the relay.

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