Relays - What it is An electromagnetic switch designed to control a circuit with a low-power signal. It provides electrical isolation between the control side and the load side, enabling safe and reliable switching of higher power devices. - Why you need it - Protects control electronics by isolating input and output circuits. - Lets a low voltage, low current controller operate a high current or high voltage load. - Improves safety and reliability in systems with mixed voltages or noisy environments. - Key attributes you can expect across models - Function: supports single or multiple pole switching to control loads as needed. - Compatibility: available in a range of contact configurations (for example SPST, SPDT, DPDT) and coil voltages to fit common control systems and wiring practices. - Size and form: offered in compact footprints suitable for panel mounting or PCB insertion; exact dimensions vary by model. - Material and durability: housing and contact materials are selected per model to meet different environmental and reliability requirements; some versions provide sealed or coated contacts for challenging conditions. - Performance: designed for repeatable actuation with consistent contact resistance and reliable operation; coil drive and load ratings vary by model to match specific applications. - Use scenarios - Industrial automation: switch motors, heaters, or solenoids from PLC or microcontroller outputs, consolidating high-power switching behind a safe control signal. - Building automation: control lighting or HVAC actuators from sensors or timers while keeping control circuitry isolated from line voltage. - Equipment protection and signaling: isolate critical control circuits in telecom, data, or instrumentation equipment to minimize the impact of transients on control logic. - How to choose the right relay for your application - Determine the coil voltage you can drive from your controller. - Select the contact configuration that matches your load circuit needs (one or more switches). - Verify the maximum load current and voltage for the chosen model. - Consider environmental requirements and mounting method to pick the appropriate housing and rating.