What type of relay do I need?

[Kentish]

I'm looking at switching off some lighting on the car when my headlights are switched on.

So I need a relay with a circuit that "opens" when I send 12v to it.

Is this called something in particular or is it just a power relay like this one?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=6436

Cheers,
K

[Angelus]

It needs to be " Normally Closed ". I can't see if that one is? If it is closed, it opens on power to switch off. Other relays are " Normally Open " to switch something on ( by closing the contacts ) when you power it. Do you see what I mean?

[Angelus]

Try looking on here. Might take a while to find though.

[FasterFreddy]

Search for a SPDT Relay. SPDT=Single Pole Double Throw, which means it has one normally open contact and one normally closed contact.

ETA like this one: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAct...

Edited by FasterFreddy on Tuesday 4th January 11:43

[TheLurker]

Get one with 5 pins, and you will be fine. Try this one;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37526

The N00AW one, selected on the left. Two of the pins are for the coil, which you will need to attach to the headlights (and ground), the others - one you will need to supply with power, of the other two one will be attached to the power pin when the lights are on, the other when lights are off.

Sorry if ive explained that badly, I can be more specific if you want?

[Kentish]

Thanks all; could not decide whether it would be NC or NO.

Cheers,
K