Reference 1.https://www.allaboutcircuits.

com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-14/electromagnetism/

THE RELAY
The electromechanical relay is one of the most used electromechanical devices. It is used
for switching large amount of voltage and current, for protection against excessive current
and voltage, and for signal and control applications. The beauty of the relay is that it can be
actuated by low voltage from remote locations.
The relay is an electromagnet which, when energized, causes one or more sets of
contacts to be close (or opened). Some relays have several sets of contacts, and while
some open, others close. The relay usually requires low voltage and low current for
actuation whereas its contacts may be capable of handling hundreds of watts. A
high-power-handling relay can be placed near the circuit to the controlled, and small,
inexpensive wire can run from it to a distant control position. A small current from the
control center will cause the relay to be energized, and massive loads can be controlled
(see Fig.11.3-1). Of course, such a system produces saving in wire and labor costs.

Fig.11.3.1. Relay allow remote operation

Relay are also used as safety devices, and the installation can be used to remove from
service any element of an electric system when the element short-circuits or operates in a
way which might cause damage. Safety systems using relays are used in home
entertainment equipment such as stereo and projection TVs and industrial applications.
Bells and buzzers are often of the electromechanical type. They operate in much the
same way as the relay. Such devices often warn of failed components, over loads, and
unwanted visitors. The doorbell is an example.
Relay contacts are used to close or open circuits. Contacts are said to be normally open
(NO) when they are open and the relay is not energized. They are called normally closed
(NC) when they are closed and the relay is not energized. Normally open contact are often
called A contacts. Normally closed contacts are often called B contacts. Figure 11.3-2
illustrates open and closed contact schematics.
When the relay current is sufficient., the coil is magnetic enough to cause the contacts to
be opened or closed. We call the point where this occurs the pickup point. The point at
which the relay is deenergized and the contacts return to their normal positions is called
the dropout, or reset, point.
Relay contacts are held in their normal position by either springs or gravity-actuated
device. Sometimes adjustments are provided to set the relay to operate within certain
current and time characteristics. The adjustment fixes the amount of tension which
opposes the magnetic actuating force and ensures quick dropout when the relay is
deenergized.

Fig.11.3.2. Relay contact schematic

 Fig.11.3.3. Normally open and normally closed relay system

Relays can be constructed to actuate multiple switch contacts, or operate them

in “reverse” (energizing the coil will open the switch contact, and unpowering
the coil will allow it to spring closed again).

REVIEW:

● When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field will be produced

around that conductor.
● The right-hand rule states that the magnetic flux lines produced by a
current-carrying wire will be oriented the same direction as the curled
fingers of a person’s right hand (in the “hitchhiking” position), with the thumb
pointing in the direction of conventional current flow.
● The magnetic field force produced by a current-carrying wire can be greatly
increased by shaping the wire into a coil instead of a straight line. If wound
in a coil shape, the magnetic field will be oriented along the axis of the coil’s
length.
● The magnetic field force produced by an electromagnet (called
the magnetomotive force, or mmf), is proportional to the product
(multiplication) of the current through the electromagnet and the number of
complete coil “turns” formed by the wire.