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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
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    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
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    Timer Relays
    Timer Relays

    13719 Products showing for Relays

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    Schneider Electric Insulation Monitoring Relay, SPDT, Clip-On
    • RS Stock No. 272-7465
    • Mfr. Part No. IMD-IM20-H
    Each
    MYR21,350.71
    Siemens SIRIUS 3TK2 Speed/Standstill Monitoring Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 211-9560
    • Mfr. Part No. 3TK2810-1BA41
    Each
    MYR10,617.01
    Allen Bradley 440R / MSR22LM Safety Relay, 24V dc, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 255-1597
    • Mfr. Part No. 440R-P23071
    Each
    MYR5,749.75
    Schmersal PROTECT SRB SRB 200Exi Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 698-8707
    • Mfr. Part No. SRB200EXI-1R
    Each
    MYR5,502.46
    Pilz 777950 Safety Relay Safety Relay, 24 → 240V ac/dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 340-376
    • Mfr. Part No. 777950
    Each
    MYR5,733.84
    Tele Frequency, Voltage Mains and System Protection, 3 Phase, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 266-4272
    • Mfr. Part No. NA003-M64
    Each
    MYR4,390.24
    ABB Insulation Monitoring Relay, 1, 3 Phase, DPDT, 0 → 400 V ac, 0 → 600V dc, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 806-5917
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SVR750660R0200 CM-IWN.1S
    Each
    MYR3,800.09
    Phoenix Contact ELR W3/ 9-500 Series Solid State Relay, 150 ma Load, DIN Rail Mount, 19.2 V ac/dc Load
    • RS Stock No. 286-1134
    • Mfr. Part No. 2964186
    Each
    MYR3,739.70
    ABB Frequency, Voltage Monitoring Relay, 1, 3 Phase, SPDT, 57.7 → 240 V ac, 99.9 → 415 V dc, DIN Rail
    • RS Stock No. 876-2551
    • Mfr. Part No. 1SVR560730R3402 CM-UFD.M33
    Each
    MYR4,081.53
    Pilz PNOZ X P2HZ X1 Two Hand Control Safety Relay, 230V ac, Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 378-5394
    • Mfr. Part No. 774438
    Each
    MYR3,581.04
    Omron Advanced Unit G9SX Time Delay Safety Relay, 24V dc, Single/Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 214-7692
    • Mfr. Part No. G9SX-AD322-T15-RT DC24
    Each
    MYR2,854.24
    Schneider Electric Earth Leakage Relay, 50/60Hz Frequency, 300mA Leakage
    • RS Stock No. 276-8741
    • Mfr. Part No. A9V35363
    Each
    MYR3,209.84
    Siemens SIRIUS 3SK2 Safety Monitoring Safety Relay, 24V dc, Dual-Channel
    • RS Stock No. 183-7199
    • Mfr. Part No. 3SK2112-2AA10
    Each
    MYR3,122.09
    Siemens SIRIUS 3SK1 Time Delay Safety Relay, 24V dc, Single Channel, 4 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 784-5813
    • Mfr. Part No. 3SK1121-2CB41
    Each
    MYR3,224.48
    Omron G9SA Time Delay Safety Relay, 24V ac/dc, Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 265-5198
    • Mfr. Part No. G9SA-321-T30 AC/DC24
    Each
    MYR2,201.65
    ABB Vital 1 Vital Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24V dc, Single Channel, 2 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 733-2436
    • Mfr. Part No. 2TLA020052R1000 Vital 1
    Each
    MYR2,282.85
    Eaton Distribution Parts Series DIN Rail Mount Digital Timer, 230V ac, 1-Contact, 2-Function
    • RS Stock No. 252-405
    • Mfr. Part No. 196847 SRCD1COD
    Each
    MYR2,732.20
    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
    Schmersal PROTECT SRB SRB 302X3 Emergency Stop Safety Relay, 24 → 230V ac/dc, Dual-Channel, 3 Safety Contacts
    • RS Stock No. 741-8657
    • Mfr. Part No. SRB302X3-24VAC/DC-230VAC
    Each
    MYR2,524.02
    Dold Safemaster BO 5988 Module, 24 V dc, 230V ac, Dual-Channel
    • RS Stock No. 240-8721
    • Mfr. Part No. BO 5988.47/124 DC24V + AC230V 1-10s
    Each
    MYR2,514.94
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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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