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    Relays

    Relays are electromagnetic switches powered by a relatively small current and thanks to their structure they can both switch off or amplify a much larger current. They have been largely used in the telecom industry since the 19th century, as well as in the industrial and automotive sectors. Their application has now extended to computing and medical research, making relays a fundamental component for devices used in everyday life.

    How does a general purpose relay work?

    Relays work based on electromagnetic force. The core of a relay is made of a coil of wire (commonly copper, which is low-resistance and facilitates power transmission) which becomes a magnet when it receives an electric current.

    They work as a bridge between devices, receiving an input signal from the first one and transmitting an output to the second. The electromagnetic current generated by the electrical input from the first device on the relay causes the contacts to open or close, determining the transmission or the blockage of the electrical signal to the second device.

    What is a general purpose relay used for?

    There are different kinds of relays suited for different applications:

    • Latching relays: they can be operated by a magnetic or mechanical system, and can feature a single or a double-winding coil. Their position stays where it was when the circuit was last powered. They're commonly used to operate automatic doors and gates, as well as in lighting.
    • Non latching relays: differ from how latching relays work as non-latching relays go back to their initial position when the power is removed from the circuit. Normally found in push-button applications such as keyboards.
    • High frequency and RF relays: most commonly used in radio system, computing, testing and industrial equipment where high voltages are involved and standard relays cannot support an efficient function. An example of application is in radio devices: relays separate the circuits responsible for receiving and transmitting high frequency signals.

    Whatever the relay is you are looking for, we offer a broad range from the most trusted suppliers worldwide, such as Panasonic, Omron, TE Connectivity and our very own RS Pro.

    Automotive Relays
    Automotive Relays
    Earth Leakage Relays
    Earth Leakage Relays
    Electromechanical Interface Relays
    Electromechanical Interface Relays
    Force Guided Relays
    Force Guided Relays
    HF & RF Relays
    HF & RF Relays
    Monitoring Relays
    Monitoring Relays
    Power Relays
    Power Relays
    Reed Relays
    Reed Relays
    Safety Relays
    Safety Relays
    Signal Relays
    Signal Relays
    Solid State Interface Relays
    Solid State Interface Relays
    Solid State Relays
    Solid State Relays
    Timer Relays
    Timer Relays

    15071 Products showing for Relays

    1 of 754
    Tele E1ZMQ10 Series DIN Rail Mount Timer Relay, 24 → 240V ac/dc, 1-Contact, 0.05 s → 100h, SPDT
    • RS Stock No. 160-262
    • Mfr. Part No. E1ZMQ10 24-240V AC/DC
    Each
    €47.78
    i-Autoc KSI Series Solid State Relay, 40 A Load, Panel Mount, 280 V ac Load, 32 V dc Control
    • RS Stock No. 903-2970
    • Mfr. Part No. KSI240D40-L
    Each
    €21.47
    RS PRO Liquid Level Monitoring Relay, Single Phase, 150 → 260V ac, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 132-171
    Each
    €21.11
    RS PRO DIN Rail Mount Timer Relay, 12 → 230V ac/dc, 0.1 s → 100h, SPDT
    • RS Stock No. 102-6124
    Each
    €38.22
    Finder 38 Series Electromechanical Interface Relay, DIN Rail Mount, 24V dc Coil, SPDT, 1-Pole
    • RS Stock No. 386-4419
    • Mfr. Part No. 38.51.7.024.0050
    Each
    €22.86
    Releco Plug In Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 5A Switching Current, 4PDT
    • RS Stock No. 376-442
    • Mfr. Part No. C9-A41X / DC 24 V
    Each
    €16.24
    Weidmuller TOZ Series Solid State Interface Relay, 24 V dc Control, DIN Rail Mount
    • RS Stock No. 892-8883
    • Mfr. Part No. 1127050000
    Each
    €17.30
    RS PRO Solid State Relay, 40 A rms Load, Panel Mount, 280 V ac Load, 32 V dc Control
    • RS Stock No. 922-5201
    Each
    €21.43
    Hongfa Europe GMBH Flange Mount Power Relay, 240V ac Coil, 30A Switching Current, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 121-8073
    • Mfr. Part No. HF105F-4/240A1HSTF
    Each
    €5.39
    RS PRO Plug In Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 10A Switching Current, 3PDT
    • RS Stock No. 121-7835
    Each
    €13.09
    Tele Phase, Voltage Monitoring Relay, 3 Phase, SPDT, Maximum of 400 V, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 123-9713
    • Mfr. Part No. E1PF400VSY01
    Each
    €76.94
    Pilz PNOZ X PNOZ X2.8P Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24 → 240V ac/dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 489-6350
    • Mfr. Part No. 777302
    Each
    €217.70
    i-Autoc Solid State Relay, 16 A Load, Panel Mount, 440 V ac Load, 32 V dc Control
    • RS Stock No. 102-5545
    • Mfr. Part No. KSIM380D16-L
    Each
    €15.79
    Coupatan Panel Mount Timer Relay, 250V ac, 0 → 120min, DPDT
    • RS Stock No. 536-2779
    Each
    €42.99
    WAGO 788 Series Interface Relay, DIN Rail Mount, 24V dc Coil, SPDT, 16A Load
    • RS Stock No. 180-3037
    • Mfr. Part No. 788-304
    Each
    €8.98
    Finder PCB Mount Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 8A Switching Current, DPDT
    • RS Stock No. 351-588
    • Mfr. Part No. 40.52.7.024.0000
    Each
    €7.46
    RS PRO DIN Rail Mount Timer Relay, 230 V ac, 24V ac/dc, 3-Contact, 0.1 → 100h, 1-Function, SPDT
    • RS Stock No. 119-803
    Each
    €21.95
    Sensata Crydom Solid State Relay, 50 A Load, Panel Mount, 530 V Load, 32 V Control
    • RS Stock No. 352-890
    • Mfr. Part No. HD4850
    Each
    €78.71
    RS PRO DIN Rail Mount Timer Relay, 12 → 240V ac, 2-Contact, 0.1s to 100h, DPDT
    • RS Stock No. 225-7036
    Each
    €63.24
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Impulse Relay, 130 → 240V ac Coil
    • RS Stock No. 221-1097
    • Mfr. Part No. A9C15413
    Each
    €30.16
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    Guides & Articles

    Article image
    Latching Relays Guide
    In our comprehensive guide we look at what latching relays are, what types and sizes are available, as well as the different uses of latching relays.
    Read more
    Article image
    Solid State Relays Guide
    This complete guide looks at what solid state relays are, how they work, the various circuits and the different types that are currently available.
    Read more

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