🚀 go-pugleaf

"Bill"
>
> Why is this stuff a secret???

** Cos folk like you simply do not need to now.


> Where can I find data sheets or specifications for automotive parts such 
> as relays and switches? (Amperage ratings of contacts, pin and internal 
> component diagrams, duty rating of relays - continuous duty, etc.)

**  Probably no-where.

Car makers put out tenders for such parts and suppliers produce devices that 
do the job for the lowest possible cost.


> All the usual things provided by everybody else in the electrical world!


** Car parts and spares for cars are a whole world unto themselves.


> But this information is not anywhere on the internet and the only thing on 
> the product packaging is a part number! No ratings are on the devices 
> either! Just a part number...

** See above.


> Or is there an automotive parts manufacturer who provides this basic 
> information on their web site?

**  What for?


Example of a relay data sheet from the non-automotive world...
http://www.magnecraft.com/library/section8/105A_49.pdf


** Relays supplied to car makers need only work at 12 volts DC.

   No other voltages or AC ratings exist for them.

   Bloody obvious, really.



....   Phil