Different Types of Relays?
Simply put, relays are electrically operated switches. Relays are electrical parts that send the messages that tell an electric or electronic device to start. Relays are necessary in millions of modern electrical devices because they are, in essence, the conduit between the switch and the parts of the device that make it run. In many electronic gadgets, it would take far too much power to start them up if it weren't for the relays that act as the go-betweens. These helpful little devices make it possible for cars, computers, and all manner of other electric devices and appliances to start without having the starters connected directly to the other mechanical parts, which would require an enormous amount of wiring and energy for startup. In addition, the safety hazards associated with all that wiring and extra energy needed to make these devices start would be immense, if not for relays. There are many different types of relays used in today's world of electronics, and the properties of each determine what type of relay is used in which device.
Latching relays
Latching relays are electromechanical switches that are used when the switch needs to remain in its last position after the electrical current is turned off. Latching relays are used to control large flows of electrical current with smaller flows. Typically, latching relays are used when small continuous electrical currents are needed. This type of relay provides two settings, on and off. Two coils are used to move a switch from side to side, and once the switch is set in the position that is needed, either on or off, the relay doesn't use further electricity and the switch remains in its last position.
Control relays
Control relays are open and close switches used to allow current to flow through a conducting coil, with the coil not coming into direct contact with the switch. Control relays are electromagnetic devices that typically control the power flow in circuits. Control relays were invented more than a century ago, and today's world of electronics is dependent on control relays to manipulate the currents that power so many of modern society's electric and electronic gadgets. Control relays are used in motors, power plants, power supply systems, transistors, and more.
Polarized relays
Polarized relays are affected by the direction of electrical current. The direction of the current affects the operation of these relays, as the armature inside is permanently magnetized. Two coils within it are of the same polarity when there is no current at all. This allows the armature to be positioned between the two coils. When the electrical current is then introduced, the coils will have polarities that are opposite of each other, depending upon the direction of the electrical current. The armature then will be attracted to one coil over the other coil, and this will turn the switch.
Machine tool relays
Machine tool relays are used in tools and other small machines that need switches to be turned on and off swiftly. Additionally, the moving parts of machine tool relays can be easily replaced. These come equipped with several contacts which makes them versatile for use in machine tools.
Solid state relays
Solid state relays, or SSRs, unlike most relays, have no moving parts. It is this lack of moving parts that makes them more durable. SSRs are used in devices that require quick switching times. Today's solid state relays are capable of handling much higher levels of voltage than earlier versions of SSRs, making them a popular choice in today's electrical devices.
Piezoelectric relays
Piezoelectric relays operate using what is known as the piezoelectric effect, which says that some materials have the ability to produce electricity when they are subjected to mechanical stress. Piezoelectric relays use a piezoelectric substance rather than a magnetized one to act upon its contact. These are not as popular as some other types of relays and are not as widely used today.
Frankly, without relays, nothing in modern society would work. Relays make it possible to start up electric and electronic gadgets and appliances such as refrigerators, cars, computers, cell phones, furnace fans, industrial equipment, conveyor belts, and more. The list of uses for relays is endless, and their usefulness is only growing. Today's modern conveniences are nothing without relays.
Latching relays
Latching relays are electromechanical switches that are used when the switch needs to remain in its last position after the electrical current is turned off. Latching relays are used to control large flows of electrical current with smaller flows. Typically, latching relays are used when small continuous electrical currents are needed. This type of relay provides two settings, on and off. Two coils are used to move a switch from side to side, and once the switch is set in the position that is needed, either on or off, the relay doesn't use further electricity and the switch remains in its last position.
Control relays
Control relays are open and close switches used to allow current to flow through a conducting coil, with the coil not coming into direct contact with the switch. Control relays are electromagnetic devices that typically control the power flow in circuits. Control relays were invented more than a century ago, and today's world of electronics is dependent on control relays to manipulate the currents that power so many of modern society's electric and electronic gadgets. Control relays are used in motors, power plants, power supply systems, transistors, and more.
Polarized relays
Polarized relays are affected by the direction of electrical current. The direction of the current affects the operation of these relays, as the armature inside is permanently magnetized. Two coils within it are of the same polarity when there is no current at all. This allows the armature to be positioned between the two coils. When the electrical current is then introduced, the coils will have polarities that are opposite of each other, depending upon the direction of the electrical current. The armature then will be attracted to one coil over the other coil, and this will turn the switch.
Machine tool relays
Machine tool relays are used in tools and other small machines that need switches to be turned on and off swiftly. Additionally, the moving parts of machine tool relays can be easily replaced. These come equipped with several contacts which makes them versatile for use in machine tools.
Solid state relays
Solid state relays, or SSRs, unlike most relays, have no moving parts. It is this lack of moving parts that makes them more durable. SSRs are used in devices that require quick switching times. Today's solid state relays are capable of handling much higher levels of voltage than earlier versions of SSRs, making them a popular choice in today's electrical devices.
Piezoelectric relays
Piezoelectric relays operate using what is known as the piezoelectric effect, which says that some materials have the ability to produce electricity when they are subjected to mechanical stress. Piezoelectric relays use a piezoelectric substance rather than a magnetized one to act upon its contact. These are not as popular as some other types of relays and are not as widely used today.
Frankly, without relays, nothing in modern society would work. Relays make it possible to start up electric and electronic gadgets and appliances such as refrigerators, cars, computers, cell phones, furnace fans, industrial equipment, conveyor belts, and more. The list of uses for relays is endless, and their usefulness is only growing. Today's modern conveniences are nothing without relays.