Switching relays distribute high operating currents

Your Focus has a number of loads that require higher operating currents than others. In order to achieve maximum safety there with the smallest possible conductor diameters, Ford controls these consumers from a central switching center by means of individual switching relays. A small switching current then flows by switching on and off in order to switch the operating current to the consumer in the relay.

Switching current and operating current have different tasks

When the respective consumer is switched on, the switching current in the switching relay acts on the solenoid coil. The electromagnetic coil, counteracting the pressure of the spring, attracts a powerful contact and in this way closes the electrical circuit to the consumer. In order to supply the consumer with the highest possible voltage, the operating current flows to its target in a direct way through the relay.

The relay contacts are designed to be so robust that they can withstand high currents for a long time. In addition, presumably «workaround» through the relay shortens the operating current path. Advantage: the shorter the paths, the less voltage loss between the circuit breaker and the consumer.

Different tasks are performed by special relays

To improve visibility and troubleshooting, the Focus has grouped most of the relays on special carrier boards. Additionally, types of relays are still operating in the on-board circuit, which are almost next to their «workplace» perform certain functions. These include, for example. turn signal interrupter relay, wiper relay and pre-glow relay in a Focus with a diesel engine.