NV23K Series Automotive Relay – 0.55W DC12V DPST 4/5 Pins
Product Overview
The NV23K series is a compact, high-performance Automotive Relay designed for 12V vehicle systems. With ultra-low coil power consumption of just 0.55W and available in DPST (4 pins or 5 pins) configurations, the NV23K delivers reliable switching for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications. This relay is engineered to handle heavy inrush currents while maintaining stable contact resistance over millions of operations. As part of YM’s comprehensive relay portfolio – including Metal Sealing Relay, Polarized Relay, Latching Relay, PCB Board Relay, and New Energy Relay – the NV23K benefits from decades of expertise in electromagnetic switching technology, ensuring superior quality and long service life in harsh environments.
Technical Specifications
Coil Parameters (DC12V version)
- Nominal coil voltage: 12V DC
- Coil power consumption: 0.55W (typical)
- Pick-up voltage (max): ≤8.4V DC
- Drop-out voltage (min): ≥1.2V DC
- Coil resistance: Approx. 260Ω ±10% at 23°C
Contact Ratings (DPST – 2 Form A)
- Maximum switching current: 40A (resistive) / 30A (motor load)
- Maximum switching voltage: 30V DC
- Contact resistance (initial): ≤50mΩ
- Electrical life (resistive): ≥1×10⁵ operations at rated load
- Mechanical life: ≥1×10⁷ operations
Timing & Insulation
- Operate time (typical): ≤10ms
- Release time (typical): ≤5ms
- Dielectric strength (coil to contacts): 500Vrms, 50Hz for 1 minute
- Insulation resistance: >100MΩ (at 500V DC)
Environmental & Mechanical
- Ambient temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
- Sealing: Flux-tight / washable version available
- Weight: Approx. 12g
- Terminal options: 4-pin DPST (two load terminals + two coil terminals) or 5-pin DPST (additional auxiliary contact/pin for diagnostic)
All specifications are tested under standard conditions (25°C, 45-75% RH). For custom voltage or contact material requirements, please refer to the Customization Options section.
Product Images & Visuals
Above: NV23K series relay (5-pin DPST shown). For 4-pin version, the footprint is identical except for the omitted diagnostic terminal. Contact YM for 2D/3D CAD drawings.
Key Features & Advantages
- Ultra-low 0.55W coil: Reduces heat generation and allows direct drive from automotive ECU or microcontroller without external driver circuits – ideal for power-sensitive modules.
- DPST contact arrangement (2 Form A): Two independent normally-open switches in one housing. Perfect for simultaneously switching two loads (e.g., dual headlights, twin fans) or providing redundant safety paths.
- Flexible pin options: Choose 4-pin (basic DPST) or 5-pin (additional monitoring pin for coil status or auxiliary contact) to match your BOM and diagnostic requirements.
- High inrush tolerance: Contacts designed for tungsten lamps, motors, and capacitive loads – significantly reduces contact welding risk.
- Hermetic / sealed variants available: Prevents contact corrosion from humidity, salt spray, and dust, extending life in under-hood or outdoor applications.
- Proven automotive-grade reliability: 100% tested for pick-up/drop-out voltage, contact resistance, and dielectric strength – meets or exceeds major OEM standards.
Compared to generic SPDT automotive relays, the NV23K’s DPST configuration reduces component count when two independent loads must be switched simultaneously. YM’s precision manufacturing ensures consistent contact force and minimal bounce, resulting in lower EMI and longer contact life.
Technology synergy: The same magnetic circuit optimization used in our Polarized Relay and Latching Relay families has been applied to the NV23K, providing high sensitivity and stable operation even at low temperatures. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, our Military Metal Relay and Industrial Power Relay lines offer complementary higher-current solutions.
How to Use the NV23K Automotive Relay – Step by Step
- Identify pin configuration: Refer to the datasheet – for 4-pin DPST: pins 1 & 2 are coil (+/–); pins 3 & 4 are the two normally-open load terminals. For 5-pin: the extra pin (e.g., pin 5) is either a center tap or a diagnostic output – verify polarity with YM's pinout diagram.
- Mounting: The NV23K is designed for PCB or socket mounting. For PCB, ensure hole diameter matches 1.0mm–1.2mm. For automotive harness use, use a compatible relay socket (ISO 280-style).
- Coil drive: Apply 12V DC to the coil pins (observe polarity if an internal suppression diode is specified). The relay will operate when voltage exceeds 8.4V. Do not exceed 16V continuously.
- Load connection: Connect your two independent loads to the two contact pins (common/NO terminals). The DPST contacts close simultaneously when coil is energized.
- Protection (recommended): For inductive loads (motors, solenoids), connect a flyback diode across the coil and a snubber across the contacts to suppress arcing and extend life.
- Testing: Apply coil power and verify continuity (<100mΩ) across each contact pair. Remove power and verify open circuit (>10MΩ).
Pro tip: Because the NV23K is a PCB Board Relay compatible device, it can be wave-soldered alongside other through-hole components. Pre-heat and soldering temperature should not exceed 260°C for 5 seconds.
Application Scenarios & Key Buyer Benefits
Typical Automotive & Transportation Uses
- Headlight & high-beam control: DPST switches both left and right headlights with a single relay – simplifies wiring and reduces fuse box complexity.
- Cooling fan (radiator / condenser) dual-speed control: Two independent contacts allow separate high/low speed windings or two fans.
- Electric windows / seat adjustment motors: The 40A contact rating easily handles stall current of small DC motors.
- Fuel pump & auxiliary systems: Low coil consumption keeps the engine control module cool.
- Aftermarket automotive electronics: LED light bars, air horns, and winch contactor kits benefit from the compact size and robust DPST switching.
Value Delivered to International Buyers
- Cost reduction: Replaces two separate single-pole relays – lower BOM cost, smaller PCB area, and reduced assembly time.
- Improved energy efficiency: 0.55W coil saves approximately 0.5W per relay compared to traditional 1W automotive relays; for fleet vehicles or high-volume ECUs, this reduces thermal management needs.
- Enhanced system reliability: Gold-plated or silver-tin-oxide contacts minimize contact resistance drift, preventing voltage drop issues in sensitive electronic loads.
- Global availability: As a core Automotive Relay in YM’s portfolio, the NV23K is stocked in regional warehouses, ensuring short lead times and consistent quality across batches.
For EV and hybrid applications, the NV23K can be combined with our New Energy Relay and Solid State Relay families to create complete power distribution units (PDUs) with mixed switching technologies.
Certifications & Compliance
- IATF 16949:2016 certified manufacturing (automotive quality management).
- RoHS 2011/65/EU & REACH (EC 1907/2006) compliant – full material disclosure available.
- ISO 7637-2 immunity against conducted transients – suitable for 12V vehicle electrical systems.
- Flammability rating: UL 94 V-0 for relay housing material.
- EMC compliant: Low coil bounce and arc suppression meet CISPR 25 class 3 limits.
Each production lot is subjected to AQL sampling per MIL-STD-105E, with 100% coil resistance and contact voltage drop testing. Third-party test reports (e.g., TÜV, Intertek) can be provided upon request.
Customization Options
YM supports tailored NV23K variants to meet specific OEM or system requirements. For orders above MOQ, the following modifications are available:
- Coil voltage variants: 6V, 24V, or custom DC voltages (e.g., 9V, 18V) with adjusted coil resistance.
- Contact material upgrades: AgSnO₂ (for DC motor / lamp loads) or AgNi+Au (for low-level signal switching).
- Terminal plating: Tin (standard) or 100% matte tin / silver for improved solderability and corrosion resistance.
- Sealing level: Standard flux-tight, washable (with plastic seal), or fully hermetic (glass-to-metal seal) for extreme environments.
- Custom marking: Laser engraving of your part number, logo, or QR code on the relay cover.
Our engineering team provides free samples of customized versions for validation. Minimum order quantities and lead times depend on the complexity of changes.
Production Process & Quality Assurance
YM’s automotive relay production line follows a fully automated process with real-time SPC monitoring, ensuring every NV23K meets stringent automotive standards.
- Coil winding: Toroidal winding with self-bonding copper wire – 100% Hi-pot and resistance check after winding.
- Contact riveting & assembly: High-speed turret machines with vision inspection for contact gap and alignment.
- Dynamic parameter tuning: Each relay is pulsed at 0.55W to verify pick-up/drop-out voltage, operate time, and contact bounce.
- Environmental stress screening: Sample batches undergo thermal shock (-40°C ↔ +85°C, 10 cycles), vibration (10-500Hz), and humidity (95% RH at 40°C) testing.
- Traceability: Laser-marked date code and batch ID enable full material and process traceability back to raw material certificates.
With over 15 years of experience in Automotive Relay and PCB Signal Relay manufacturing, YM combines Japanese lean production methods with German test standards. The NV23K series is built to deliver consistent performance across temperature extremes and high-vibration automotive environments.
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