How Does a Relay Work

A relay is an electrically operated switch. They commonly use an electromagnet (coil) to operate their internal mechanical switching mechanism (contacts). When a relay contact is open, this will switch power ON for a circuit when the coil is activated.

How a relay works simple?

A relay is a special type of switch turned on and off by an electromagnet . When a current flows through the coil, an electromagnetic field is set up. The field attracts an iron armature, whose other end pushes the contacts together, completing the circuit.

What moves in a relay?

A basic relay consists of an electromagnet and contacts. The electromagnet changes the position of the common contact from the normally closed contact to the normally open contact. They’re electrical switches; like a light switch on the wall, a relay turns on or off the electricity.