Re: 12v question...wiring 2 relays in parallel for fan
93ty475 said:
Question for the electrical guys....Do electric fans pull so much of a starting load that 2 relays would help? The wires coming out of my 16" electric fan are fat....I wanted to use the intercooler pump wiring for the new fan but the stock intercooler pump wire is tiny...I want stock ecm control, but don't want to roast wires....would the following pic make sense to do while I still retain the trigger wire for the I/C pump? Thanks in advance...
The above would physically work but I really wouldnt recommend it for the following reasons:
1) If either one of relay fails in either the on or off position then that leaves only one set of contacts carrying the fan current which you wont know is happening until its too late. A huge PIA to troubleshoot or worse case the one over loaded relay could catch fire.
2. Can the fusable link carry the normal current load without failing or getting hot? If its a factory type fusable link I would doubt it since Ive never seen a GM fusable link bigger than 12 or 14gauge. If its an aftermarket fusable link that is rated high enough then no big deal but if its a GM link take it out and use a correctly sized fuse.
FWIW, on the pro-touring forum there is a guy selling soft start fan controls that ramp the fan up to speed which gets rid of the huge current surge when the fan is just switch on using full voltage. Its much MUCH easier on the alternator, voltage regulator, rectifier, and the entire electrical system for that matter. Some searching will prolly turn up what Im talking about and I'll go hunt for it later when I have time. Gotta work right now..
