Up Close: Electronic Specialties Relay Fuse Buddy

Aug. 11, 2022
The Relay Fuse Buddy is deployed in diagnostic situations where components have failed and/or circuit wiring may be faulty.

Application

The Electronic Specialties Relay Fuse Buddy, No. 316, is deployed in diagnostic situations where components have failed and/or circuit wiring may be faulty. Bypass of circuit power at the fuse panel is quite valuable and saves time when working under the hood.

Features and benefits 

  • With full relay bypass capability, the user can plug into any relay-controlled circuit, directly at the fuse panel. There, the user can control power to components downstream of the relay via the on/off switch, giving certain troubleshooting advantages.
  • Questionable components can be activated within sight or listening distance. Diagnostic decisions regarding the wiring or the component can then be made.
  • The component amp draws can be viewed without the need for an expensive amp clamp.
  • Displays live circuit current - 20A continuous / 30 A momentary.
  • Greatly enhances your customer’s circuit and relay test capabilities, cutting diagnostic times.

Origin

 The idea for Relay Fuse Buddy spawned from various trade show conversations and even some phone calls from end user techs. Many techs love Fuse Buddy, but also wanted to plug it into relay-controlled circuits. Given the different relay footprints on vehicles, it would require a set of several adapters. The bypass switch was added to the relay adapters and the product came together.  

Manufacturing/engineering specifications 

Relay Fuse Buddy can read currents up to 10A continuously and up to 30A momentarily. There are six interchangeable adapters for the most popular relays in the field. The tester can be used on vehicles up to 48V.

Demonstration

To view a product demonstration of the Relay Fuse Buddy, visit VehicleServicePros.com/21268071.

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