Jeff:
To do it right , I would use 2 of this type of relay unless You are sure
the SPDT switch can handle 5 amps D.C. in the long term. You may contact me
off list for wiring details either wayfor wiring details.

remove the no-spam
Jim
"Jeff" my last name @fidnet.com wrote in message
...
I have a 12v DC linear actuator, it just has 2 wires coming from the
motor.
If I connect the red wire to the positive terminal of the battery and the
black to the negative, the motor extends. When I reverse the wires the
motor retracts. The motor draws about 5 amps. Pretty straight forward
even
for an electrical dummy like me :)

I have a grip for my control stick that has a 3 position switch to control
this motor. It is an ON-OFF-ON SPST switch that is capable of about 2
amps.
So I went down to Radio Shack and bought a DPDT 12v relay part number
275-218. Here is the Radio Shack web site for this relay:
http://www.radioshack.com/searchsku.asp?find=275-218

I need some help wiring the thing up so I can use my motor. Which wires
go
where? Did I get the right kind of relay?

Thanks,
Jeff