Why use a relay on a 12V 3A circuit?

[leecea]

I'm replacing my failed bilge blower and also changing the location for better access. The old blower is a Rule 3" that draws 2.9A and it was wired to a small relay.

Why does a 12V 3A blower need a relay?

I was planning to wire the new one directly to the breaker with an inline fuse - without a relay - but wanted to check first in case that is a mistake.

Thanks.

[Statistical]

Originally Posted by leecea

I'm replacing my failed bilge blower and also changing the location for better access. The old blower is a Rule 3" that draws 2.9A and it was wired to a small relay.

Why does a 12V 3A blower need a relay?

I was planning to wire the new one directly to the breaker with an inline fuse - without a relay - but wanted to check first in case that is a mistake.

Thanks.

If the bilge blower is just connected to a manual switch then I see no reason. If it is connected to some circuit which will turn it on automatically under certain conditions that circuit may not be able to handle 3A.

[leecea]

Thanks. It's just a manual switch.