Application Notes: Emergency Vehicle Relays & Switches
Application Notes: Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles rely on reliable electrical systems to support critical equipment, lighting, communication, safety, and control functions. Relays, switches, and solid-state relays help manage electrical loads and provide reliable control for the systems used in emergency vehicles.
CIT Relay & Switch offers a range of relay and switch solutions for emergency vehicle applications, including lighting systems, sirens and communication systems, power management and distribution, specialized equipment, safety and monitoring systems, and user interface and control panels. These components are designed to support the demanding operating conditions of emergency vehicles.
Recommended Relays for Emergency Vehicle Applications
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A2H 50 Amp Large capacity and Low temperature Automotive Plug-In / PCB Relay
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A6 35 Amp Automotive Plug-In Relay
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A17 30 Amp Automotive Plug-In Relay
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PC775 75 Amp Screw Terminal Automotive Relay
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PC776 130 Amp Screw Terminal Automotive Relay
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PCS28 Series Dual Solid State Relay
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PCS34 DC Input Series Solid State Relay
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PCS34 AC Input Series Solid State Relay
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PCS53 Series DC Input / AC Output Compact Solid State Relay
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Relay Socket
Recommended Switches for Emergency Vehicle Applications
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AH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button Switch
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AHB Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button Switch
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BH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 16mm & 19mm Switch
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CH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 16mm Switch
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DH22U Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 22mm Switch
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DH40 Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 40mm Switch
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DH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button Switch
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DHU Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 25mm and 30mm Switch
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EH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal 12mm Switch
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FH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 12mm Switch
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GH Series Illuminated Anti-Vandal Push Button 10mm Switch
Common Applications:
- Emergency Vehicle Lighting – Relays and switches help control lighting systems used throughout emergency vehicles.
- Siren & Communication Systems – Electrical control components support sirens and communication equipment used by emergency vehicle operators.
- Power Management & Distribution – Relays help manage electrical loads and power distribution across vehicle systems.
- Specialized Emergency Equipment – Relays and solid-state relays can control electrical loads associated with specialized equipment installed in emergency vehicles.
- Safety & Monitoring Systems – Switches can provide emergency stop and other safety-related controls, while relays and solid-state relays can support monitoring systems.
- Control Panels & User Interfaces – Switches, relays, and solid-state relays can be integrated into centralized control panels that allow operators to manage vehicle systems.
- Vehicle Accessory Control – Automotive relays can support the switching requirements of vehicle accessories and other electrical equipment.
Key Considerations for Emergency Vehicle Applications
Emergency vehicles operate in demanding conditions and depend on reliable electrical control. When selecting a relay or switch, consider factors such as:
- Electrical load and switching requirements
- Operating voltage
- Available mounting space
- Environmental conditions
- Control panel requirements
- Safety and reliability requirements
- Required switch configuration
Selecting the right component for the specific electrical and operating requirements can help support dependable performance across emergency vehicle systems.
Reliable Relay & Switch Solutions for Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicle equipment requires dependable components for critical electrical control and user interface functions. CIT Relay & Switch provides automotive relays, solid-state relays, switches, and relay sockets for a variety of emergency vehicle applications.
Need Help Selecting the Right Relay or Switch?
Selecting the right component depends on your electrical requirements, application, and operating environment. CIT Relay & Switch offers a range of relay and switch solutions for emergency vehicle systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are relays used for in emergency vehicles?
Relays are used to control electrical loads and systems such as lighting, specialized equipment, power distribution, and other vehicle functions.
What types of switches are used in emergency vehicles?
Emergency vehicles can use anti-vandal and toggle switches for control panels, user interfaces, and safety-related functions. CIT offers several illuminated anti-vandal pushbutton switch series for these applications.
Are solid-state relays used in emergency vehicles?
Yes. Solid-state relays can be used to control electrical loads in emergency vehicle systems. CIT lists PCS28, PCS34, and PCS53 series solid-state relays for emergency vehicle applications.
What should I consider when selecting a relay for an emergency vehicle?
Consider the required voltage, current and switching capacity, mounting configuration, available space, and operating environment.
What are anti-vandal switches used for in emergency vehicles?
Anti-vandal switches can be used in control panels and user interfaces where durable switch construction is important. CIT’s emergency vehicle materials specifically identify anti-vandal switches as an application solution
Does CIT Relay & Switch offer customized solutions for emergency vehicles?
CIT Relay & Switch offers a broad range of relay and switch configurations and supports custom solutions for application-specific requirements.


























