A lawnmower requires several amp of electric current to bug out the engine . For prophylactic reasons , a lawnmower ( and other electric - first internal combustion powered fomite ) contains two voice to the start circumference : a start switching circuit and a relay circuit . Since an electromechanical relay can only be used for a specified number of cycle before failure , a faulty starter relay can prevent a lawnmower from starting .
Why a Lawnmower Contains a Starter Relay
A relay race allows a low-pitched - power , light - responsibility switch to incite or disengage the starter circle without being straight electrify to the starter circuit itself . If the lawnmower starter circuit did not hold in a relay , laborious - obligation wiring would have to be wire to the lawnmower starter switch . This would pose a potentially fateful electrical shock hazard if the starter switch or starter circle wiring became damaged . The starter switch would also be prone to electrical arcing and undue heat , which would eventually demolish the switching and potentially damage the lawnmower .
Why a Bad Relay Prevents a Lawnmower from Starting
When the starter switch is reverse on , the transposition circuit provide power to an electromagnet inside the electrical relay . This electromagnet pull the electrical relay change chemical mechanism close and engages the relay circuit . The relay race circuit provides office from the assault and battery to the starter .
If either the electromagnet or the switching mechanism in the relay is faulty , the electrical relay tour will not engage . This prevents electric current from flowing to the starter from the battery .
Why a Bad Switch Prevents a Lawnmower from Starting
Since the switching circumference provides power to the electromagnet in the relay , the switch circuit is just as important as the relay electric circuit . If the switch is break up , the switch electric circuit will not allow electrical current to the electromagnet . Without electrical current flowing through it , the electromagnet will not work and the electrical relay can not be actuated .
Other Considerations
Both the switch lap and the relay circuit require a power source and transmission lines ( wires ) to operate properly . If there is a break in the conducting wire on either side of the circuit , or if the power germ link is free or faulty , this will forbid the lawnmower from starting as well .
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