There are 2 types of flasher relay, the older type uses a bimetallic strip which is heated by the current, when it reaches a certain temp it bends and the circuit is broken. The second newer type is electronic and works related to voltage, the first type needs the right wattage bulbs to get the correct current, the second voltage type is more tolerant and can handle 2 or 4 bulbs eg all 4 flashing as long as the battery charging system and the battery are good.