 Relay

 Definition
 A relay is an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electromagnet to mechanically
operate a switch, but other operating principles are also used, such as solid-state relays. Relays
are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by a separate low-power signal, or where
several circuits must be controlled by one signal. The first relays were used in long
distance telegraph circuits as amplifiers: they repeated the signal coming in from one circuit and
re-transmitted it on another circuit. Relays were used extensively in telephone exchanges and
early computers to perform logical operations.

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 External structure
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 Internal structure

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 Functions
Relays are switches that open and close circuits electromechanically or
electronically. Relays control one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in
another circuit. ... When a relay contact is Normally Closed (NC), there is a closed
contact when the relayis not energized.

 Types
1. Electromagnetic Relays These relays are constructed with electrical,
mechanical and magnetic components, and have operating coil and mechanical
contacts. Therefore, when the coil gets activated by a  supply system, these mechanical
contacts gets opened or closed. The type of supply can be AC or DC.
2. DC vs AC Relays

Both AC and DC relays work on the same principle as electromagnetic induction, but
the construction is somewhat differentiated and also depends on the application for
which these relays are selected. DC relays are employed with a freewheeling diode to
de-energize the coil, and the AC relays uses laminated cores to prevent eddy current
losses.

3. Magnetic Latching Relays

These relays use permanent magnet or parts with a high remittance to remain the
armature at the same point as the coil is electrified when the coil power source is taken
away.

 A type of relay that can handle the high power required to directly control an electric motor or
other loads is called a contactor. Solid-state relays control power circuits with no moving parts,
instead using a semiconductor device to perform switching. Relays with calibrated operating
characteristics and sometimes multiple operating coils are used to protect electrical circuits from
overload or faults; in modern electric power systems these functions are performed by digital
instruments still called "protective relays".
 Magnetic latching relays require one pulse of coil power to move their contacts in one direction,
and another, redirected pulse to move them back. Repeated pulses from the same input have no
effect. Magnetic latching relays are useful in applications where interrupted power should not be
able to transition the contacts.
 Magnetic latching relays can have either single or dual coils. On a single coil device, the relay
will operate in one direction when power is applied with one polarity, and will reset when the
polarity is reversed. On a dual coil device, when polarized voltage is applied to the reset coil the
contacts will transition. AC controlled magnetic latch relays have single coils that employ
steering diodes to differentiate between operate and reset commands.

Safety Relays
Safety Relays are devices that implement safety functions. In the event of a hazard, a
safety relay will work to reduce to risk to an acceptable level. When an error occurs,
the safety relay will initiate a safe and reliable response. Each safety relay monitors a
specific function. By connecting them to other safety relays, one can achieve total
monitoring of a machine or plant. Safety relays are a simple and efficient way to meet
existing safety standards, resulting in safe operation for your personnel and equipment
as well as a long service life. Risk reduction should be a priority for any business, to
both protect its employees and reduce the possibility of costly accidents or equipment
replacement. Generally, if a risk is able to be reduced, then it should be. 

Some functions of safety relays include:

 Stopping a movement in a controlled and safe manner.

 Monitoring the position of movable guards.
 Interrupting a closing movement during access.
 Emergency off/stop.
 Reason (Why we use relay?)
 Switching a high current circuit using a lower current circuit

This is the most common reason and useful where an in-line switch or the existing circuit does not have the
capacity to handle the current required. For example, if you wanted to fit some high power work lights that
come on with the headlights but there is a risk that they would exceed the capacity of the existing loom.

 Cost saving

High current capacity wiring and switches cost more than lower current capacity versions, so by using relays
the requirement for the more expensive components is minimised. 

 Activating more than one circuit from a single input

You can use a single input from one part of an electrical system (e.g. central locking output, manual switch
etc.) to activate one or more relays that then complete one or more other circuits and so carry out multiple
functions from one input signal.

 Carrying out logic functions

Electromagnetic relays can be put to some quite clever (and complex) applications when linked up to perform
logical operations based on certain inputs (for example, latching a +12V output on and off from a momentary
input, flashing alternative left and right lights etc.). Although these logical functions have now been
superseded by electronic modules for OEM designs, it can still be useful, fun and often more cost effective to
use relays to perform them for some after-market projects (particularly where you have a bespoke
application).