PR40 Relay: 40A Relay with 2-Way LED Fault Detection

The ultimate MIL-SPEC performance relay for aerospace, military, and motorsport applications

Aftermarket Industries PR40 Relay with 2-Way LED Fault Detection

The Ultimate Performance Relay

The Aftermarket Industries PR40 Relay represents the pinnacle of automotive relay technology designed specifically for high-performance applications where reliability is non-negotiable. This premium 40-amp continuous duty relay combines military-grade durability with innovative diagnostic features that set it apart from standard automotive relays.

Key Features & Specifications

Technical Specifications

Current Rating 40A Continuous
Voltage Rating 12V DC
Contact Configuration SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw)
Dimensions 30mm × 30mm × 25mm
Weight 48g
Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C
Connector Type Standard Automotive (ISO 280)
Environmental Rating IP50

Advanced Features

  • 2-Way Fault Detection LED

    Bi-color LED provides instant visual feedback on relay status and circuit conditions:

    • Green = Normal operation
    • Red = Circuit fault
    • Off = Open circuit
    • Flickering = Excessive current draw
  • Surge Protection

    Integrated suppression diode prevents back EMF damage to sensitive electronics when switching inductive loads.

  • High-Speed Switching

    5ms response time ensures rapid activation for time-critical applications.

  • Vibration Resistant

    Tested to withstand 10G vibration, maintaining reliable operation in high-vibration environments.

Applications & Industries

The PR40 relay is the preferred choice for critical systems across multiple high-performance industries:

Motorsport
  • Fuel pump circuits
  • ECU and engine management
  • Cooling system control
  • Racing electronics
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Competition lighting
Aerospace
  • Experimental aircraft
  • UAV/drone systems
  • Avionics power distribution
  • Backup systems
  • Ground support equipment
  • Navigation lighting
Marine
  • High-performance boats
  • Navigation systems
  • Bilge pump control
  • Marine electronics
  • Competition watercraft
  • Marine lighting systems

Installation & Wiring

Standard Connection Diagram

The PR40 relay uses standard automotive relay pinout configuration:

  • Terminal 85: Ground (-)
  • Terminal 86: Trigger input (+12V)
  • Terminal 30: Power input from battery
  • Terminal 87: Output to device

For optimal performance, we recommend:

  • Using correctly sized wiring (use our Wire Gauge Calculator)
  • Mounting in a cool, dry location away from direct heat sources
  • Securing the relay firmly to prevent vibration damage
  • Including appropriate fusing for the circuit

Installation Best Practices

Do's
  • Mount in a clean, dry location
  • Use properly sized wire for the current
  • Apply dielectric grease to terminals
  • Secure all connections firmly
  • Fuse the power input appropriately
Don'ts
  • Install near exhaust components
  • Exceed the 40A continuous rating
  • Leave terminals exposed to moisture
  • Use undersized wiring
  • Omit proper circuit protection

Why Choose the PR40 Relay?

MIL-SPEC Performance

The PR40 relay is built to exceed military specification standards for reliability and durability, making it suitable for the most demanding applications where failure is not an option.

Unlike standard automotive relays, the PR40 features enhanced environmental protection, premium materials, and rigorous quality control to ensure consistent performance in extreme conditions.

Diagnostic Capabilities

The integrated 2-way LED fault detection system provides real-time visual feedback on circuit status, allowing for immediate identification of electrical issues without specialized testing equipment.

This diagnostic capability dramatically reduces troubleshooting time and can prevent catastrophic system failures by alerting users to problems before they become critical.

Enhanced Protection

With built-in surge protection and EMI filtering, the PR40 relay safeguards sensitive electronic components from voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference that can damage ECUs, sensors, and other critical systems.

This integrated protection eliminates the need for additional components and simplifies installation while improving overall system reliability.

Proven Reliability

The PR40 relay has been field-tested in championship-winning racing teams, experimental aircraft, and high-performance marine applications worldwide, consistently proving its reliability under the most extreme conditions.

Each unit undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure it meets our exacting standards before leaving our facility.

Customer Testimonials

"After multiple standard relay failures on our race car's fuel pump circuit, we switched to the PR40 relay. The LED indicator instantly showed us a wiring issue we'd missed, and we haven't had a single failure since. Worth every penny!"

— Michael T., Race Team Engineer

"Building an experimental aircraft means reliability is everything. The PR40's diagnostic LED has saved me countless hours of troubleshooting, and the military-grade construction gives me confidence in flight."

— Sarah K., Experimental Aircraft Builder

"I use PR40 relays exclusively in my marine electrical installations. The vibration resistance and corrosion protection are exceptional, and the diagnostic LED is a game-changer for troubleshooting on the water."

— James R., Marine Electrical Specialist

Ready to Upgrade Your Electrical System?

Experience the unmatched reliability and diagnostic capabilities of the PR40 relay in your application.

Order Your PR40 Relay Today

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard PR40 relay is designed for 12V systems. For 24V applications, please contact our technical support team or use our specialized PR40-24V model, which is specifically calibrated for 24V electrical systems while maintaining all the same diagnostic and protection features.

The PR40 relay incorporates an advanced microcontroller that continuously monitors current flow, voltage levels, and circuit integrity. The LED changes color based on these measurements: green indicates normal operation, red signals a fault condition such as a short circuit, no illumination means an open circuit or loss of power, and flickering indicates excessive current draw approaching the relay's limits.

The PR40 relay offers several significant advantages over standard automotive relays: integrated diagnostic LED, built-in surge protection, higher-quality materials, enhanced vibration resistance, improved environmental protection, and more precise manufacturing tolerances. While it uses the same mounting and terminal configuration as standard relays for easy replacement, its internal construction and features are substantially upgraded for critical applications.

The PR40 relay has an IP50 rating, which means it's protected against dust ingress but is not waterproof. For marine applications, we recommend mounting the relay in a protected location or using a waterproof relay box. For fully submersible applications, please contact us about our specialized marine-grade relays with higher IP ratings.

Yes, the PR40 relay is rated for continuous duty at 40A. It features enhanced thermal management and high-quality contact materials specifically designed to handle continuous operation without degradation. This makes it ideal for critical systems that must run continuously, such as fuel pumps, cooling systems, and primary power distribution.

Related Resources

Wire Gauge Calculator

Use our precision calculator to determine the optimal wire size for your PR40 relay installation.

Calculate Now
Relay Educational Guide

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Installation Tips

Expert advice on installing and troubleshooting relays in high-performance applications.

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