Relays are fundamental components in modern electrical and electronic circuits. They act as electrically operated switches, enabling the control of high power circuits with low power signals. Relays are used in a wide variety of applications, from simple home automation systems to complex industrial machinery. To fully comprehend the function and selection of a relay for a specific application, it is crucial to understand its characteristics. The characteristics of a relay include its coil voltage, contact configuration, coil resistance, pickup and dropout voltages, operation times, insulation resistance, mechanical and electrical life, and more. In this article, we will explore these key relay characteristics and their significance.
1. Coil Voltage The coil voltage of a relay refers to the electrical voltage required to activate the relay’s coil and change the state of the contacts. It is one of the most basic and important characteristics of the relay. Typically, relays operate on standard voltages such as 5V, 12V, or 24V, though other voltages are also available. When selecting a relay for an application, it is important to ensure that the coil voltage matches the control circuit voltage to ensure proper operation. 2. Contact Configuration Relays come with various contact configurations, which dictate how the relay interacts with the circuit. The most common configurations are：