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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

    13911 Products showing for Relays

    1 / 696
    Schneider Electric Residual Current Monitoring Relay
    • RS Stock No. 247-1907
    • Mfr. Part No. 56174
    Each
    MYR2,317.38
    Pilz PNOZsigma PNOZ s10 C Expansion Module Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 4 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 191-9861
    • Mfr. Part No. 751110
    Each
    MYR1,559.80
    SICK ReLy RLY3 Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 213-3795
    • Mfr. Part No. RLY3-OSSD300
    Each
    MYR1,645.31
    Schneider Electric Earth Leakage Relay, 50/60Hz Frequency, 300mA Leakage
    • RS Stock No. 276-8741
    • Mfr. Part No. A9V35363
    Each
    MYR3,089.83
    Carlo Gavazzi Earth Leakage Relay
    • RS Stock No. 209-8589
    • Mfr. Part No. DEB71DM24A5
    Each
    MYR669.73
    Dold Safemaster BD 5935 Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 4 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 240-8692
    • Mfr. Part No. BD5935.48 DC24V
    Each
    MYR2,205.29
    ABB Jokab Sentry SSR10 Safety Monitoring Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 4 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 176-0033
    • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA010050R0000 Sentry SSR10 24VDC
    Each
    MYR1,100.14
    Radiall PCB Mount High Frequency Relay, 12V Coil, 50Ω Impedance, 18GHz Max. Coil Freq., SPDT
    • RS Stock No. 721-0333
    • Mfr. Part No. R570412000
    Each
    MYR749.99
    Schmersal SRB E, Multi-function SRB-E Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 146-5867
    • Mfr. Part No. SRB-E-212ST
    Each
    MYR1,656.23
    Dold Voltage Monitoring Relay, 3 Phase, DPDT, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 291-3150
    • Mfr. Part No. IL9079.12/002 3AC230/400V 0.55-1.05UN 0.2-2S
    Each
    MYR1,612.60
    Eaton Electronic Safety Relays ESR5 Time Delay Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 812-8976
    • Mfr. Part No. 118705 ESR5-NV3-30
    Each
    MYR2,694.25
    Siemens Current Monitoring Relay, 1 Phase, DPDT, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 758-6955
    • Mfr. Part No. 3UG4641-1CS20
    Each
    MYR1,586.04
    Pilz PNOZsigma PNOZ s5 C Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 191-9856
    • Mfr. Part No. 751105
    Each
    MYR2,549.14
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Harmony Relay RUM Series Electromechanical Interface Relay, Plug In, DPDT, 10A Load
    • RS Stock No. 256-4761
    • Mfr. Part No. RUMC23F7
    1 Box of 10
    MYR726.96
    Phoenix Contact PSRclassic PSR-SCP Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V ac/dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 8 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 666-7038
    • Mfr. Part No. 2963912
    Each
    MYR2,865.96
    Omron H5F-B Series Panel Mount Timer Relay, 100 → 240V ac, 1-Contact, 24 h → 7days, 2-Function, SPST
    • RS Stock No. 177-0109
    • Mfr. Part No. H5F-B
    Each
    MYR1,537.53
    Omron H5CX Series Panel Mount Timer Relay, 12 → 24V ac/dc, 1-Contact, 0.001 s → 9999h
    • RS Stock No. 687-6106
    • Mfr. Part No. H5CX-AD-N
    Each
    MYR996.52
    Better World
    Schneider Electric Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, DPDT
    • RS Stock No. 256-4736
    • Mfr. Part No. RPM22BD
    1 Box of 10
    MYR669.52
    Pilz PNOZsigma PNOZ s3 C Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 191-9855
    • Mfr. Part No. 751103
    Each
    MYR1,348.26
    Pilz PNOZ X PNOZ XV2 Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 918-6677
    • Mfr. Part No. 774502
    Each
    MYR2,124.86
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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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