Recently searched

    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.

    13911 Products showing for Relays

    1 / 696
    • RS Stock No. 247-1907
    • Mfr. Part No. 56174
    Each
    MYR2,317.38
    • RS Stock No. 191-9861
    • Mfr. Part No. 751110
    Each
    MYR1,559.80
    • RS Stock No. 213-3795
    • Mfr. Part No. RLY3-OSSD300
    Each
    MYR1,645.31
    • RS Stock No. 276-8741
    • Mfr. Part No. A9V35363
    Each
    MYR3,089.83
    • RS Stock No. 209-8589
    • Mfr. Part No. DEB71DM24A5
    Each
    MYR669.73
    • RS Stock No. 240-8692
    • Mfr. Part No. BD5935.48 DC24V
    Each
    MYR2,205.29
    • RS Stock No. 176-0033
    • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA010050R0000 Sentry SSR10 24VDC
    Each
    MYR1,100.14
    • RS Stock No. 721-0333
    • Mfr. Part No. R570412000
    Each
    MYR749.99
    • RS Stock No. 146-5867
    • Mfr. Part No. SRB-E-212ST
    Each
    MYR1,656.23
    • RS Stock No. 291-3150
    • Mfr. Part No. IL9079.12/002 3AC230/400V 0.55-1.05UN 0.2-2S
    Each
    MYR1,612.60
    • RS Stock No. 812-8976
    • Mfr. Part No. 118705 ESR5-NV3-30
    Each
    MYR2,694.25
    • RS Stock No. 758-6955
    • Mfr. Part No. 3UG4641-1CS20
    Each
    MYR1,586.04
    • RS Stock No. 191-9856
    • Mfr. Part No. 751105
    Each
    MYR2,549.14
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 256-4761
    • Mfr. Part No. RUMC23F7
    1 Box of 10
    MYR726.96
    • RS Stock No. 666-7038
    • Mfr. Part No. 2963912
    Each
    MYR2,865.96
    • RS Stock No. 177-0109
    • Mfr. Part No. H5F-B
    Each
    MYR1,537.53
    • RS Stock No. 687-6106
    • Mfr. Part No. H5CX-AD-N
    Each
    MYR996.52
    Better World
    • RS Stock No. 256-4736
    • Mfr. Part No. RPM22BD
    1 Box of 10
    MYR669.52
    • RS Stock No. 191-9855
    • Mfr. Part No. 751103
    Each
    MYR1,348.26
    • RS Stock No. 918-6677
    • Mfr. Part No. 774502
    Each
    MYR2,124.86
    Results per page