Relay

A relay is an electrically operated switch. It is used to control a circuit. It comes in a range of functions and form factors. By getting to know different relays in detail, you will pick a suitable type as per your project. So, go through the below guide.

Picking the correct type of relay can be difficult. It refers to a switch that opens or closes a circuit. You will mostly find its use in control panels and automated systems. The preventative models can detect overload, overcurrent, undercurrent, and more conditions. It ensures the protection of any electronic device. Four main parts are present in a common relay: electromagnet, switch point contacts, movable armature, and spring. However, the presence of components may also differ from model to model. Let us explore in detail.

Popular types of relays and their uses

They come in various options based on form factor, function, technology, and more factors. The main types include electromagnetic, solid-state, thermal, hybrid, and reed relay. The electromagnetic type comes with an operating coil and mechanical contacts. But a solid-state one will perform the switching operation with no moving parts. On the other hand, the function of a thermal relay depends upon the effect of heat. It is popular for motor protection. Similarly, different types come with different features. Read on to understand some important ones in detail.

Electrical relays

It is a collective term for various switches. They may come in many sizes, shapes, features, and power ratings depending upon the uses. It uses a low-level control signal to control a high voltage, current or other parameters with different contact arrangements. It can have single or multiple contacts in a package. You can also find them in large power forms used for high current or main voltage applications. The three main actions of an electrical relay are to permit a small current to control high current loads, send various signals and drive more than one output with a single input. Find them in a lot of varieties depending upon the application.

Solid-state relay

It is a popular type of relay. It switches on and off when a little external voltage is applied across its control terminals. This is much similar to an electromagnetic relay, but it does not contain moving parts. They come with a fast switching speed and do not have any physical contacts that may wear out. Many parameters are characterised by requiring activating input voltage, output voltage, current, resistance, and more. You can find them in different types like reed relay coupled SSR, photo-coupled SSR etc. The power gain is high in these types of relays. It is because the control energy is very lower than the output power to be controlled. If you want to buy a solid-state relay online in the UAE, you are in the right place.

Overload relay

An overload relay refers to a device that protects a motor from overheating. In simple terms, it is an electrical device designed to imitate the electric motor’s heating prototypes. Also, its function is to break the flow of current when the relay’s heat-detecting device attains a particular temperature. You can find them in two main types that are thermal and magnetic overload relays. The thermal one cuts the power when the motor uses a lot of current for an extended period. On the other hand, magnetic type finds its use in extreme changes in the ambient temperature.