A relay is the generic term for a device that allows a small voltage or current to switch the power to a much larger electrical load. The most common relay is the mechanical relay. It employs a magnetic coil and contacts which physically move. When a small voltage is applied to the relay's coil, it physically closes its contacts to allow the main power to pass. One advantage to a mechanical relay is the ease with which the low power signal voltage to the coil and the power for the main load itself can be completely isolated from one another.
If a relay is made to switch very large loads, such as those for a motor, another term used to describe it is "contactor". Solid state relays (SSRs) have no moving parts. The signal voltage switches the main load power through a semiconductor device. Since the solid state relays don't have parts that can wear, they offer a higher reliability in the long run as compared to mechanical relays, but SSRs are more susceptible to electrical inference, and on average SSRs are often limited in their power handling capabilities, as compared to mechanical relays.
Power Relays, Solid State Relay, Mechanical Relay
We offer a full line of high quality, name brand mechanical relays as well as solid state relays
Power Relays, Solid State Relay, Mechanical Relay |
