How Relays Work - Aero Locator.com: Relays and Avionic Parts - Aero Locator.com: Current Overload Protection, Electromechanical Relay, Dielectric Strength, Dustproof Relay, Electro-Magnetic Interference, Electro-magnetic interference, Hermetically Sealed

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How Relays Work

A relay is a switch with contacts that can be closed or opened by current in the relay coil. The final component in a relay, a spring, holds the switch in one position until a current is passed through the coil. There are several basic types of relays.

Electromechanical Relays:

One of the most common of relays, the electromechanical relay works by having an electric current pass through a conductor causing a magnetic field at right angles to the direction of the electron flow. The conductor is wrapped with a coil, creating a magnetic field. The movable magnetic part of the relay is called an armature. When the coil is energized the armature is effected by a mechanical force causing the armature to open or close a path.

Mercury Relays:

One of the oldest types of relays, mercury relays have been used as industrial controls for decades. Because mercury currently is a banned substance in many countries, mercury relays are rarely used today for new designs.

A mercury relay consists of a tube filled with mercury with electrodes at each end. When the tube is tilted, the mercury flows to either end. This in turn cuts off the circuit on one end and opens it at the other end.

Reed Relays:

Reed relays are similar to electromechanical relays in that the contacts are mechanically activated to open or close a path. Compared to an electromechanical relay, a reed relay has a higher coil resistance and provides faster switching speeds.

Solid State Relays:

Unlike an electromechanical relay or reed relay, a solid state relay (SSR) is not a mechanical device. A solid state relay has no moving parts and is therefore able to control the current much faster. An LED (light emitting diode) is used to actuate the relay.

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