Electrical Question

[Steve K (IA)]

When I parked my I/S this past winter everything was fine.  When I went to get it up and running several weeks ago, the battery was dead as a stone.  Usually I have to charge it up some but it isn't completely dead.  Got it started and noticed everything that is running through the fuse block I added many years ago wasn't working.  Discovered the relay that triggers the fuse block was deformed...it had melted some.  Replaced it and all was fine.  Took apart the old one and the internals looked to be okay.

I'm guessing that maybe the relay stuck closed when I turned the ignition off when I parked the bike for the winter? 

Any ideas what might have happened?  And why?

[Pete]

Melted - very large electrical draw or relay to small.

I would suspect something connected thru the relay drew to much electrical juice.

[Jims99]

Relay could have stuck closed, springs in them are not real strong. It could be from too much of a draw, or just a fluke. I would check amps being drawn through contacts and go from there. Also check that it's rated for continuous use. Some relays are only Ment to stay on for short periods. Good luck.