Working of Relays

In this article, the basics of a relay like energized relay and de-energized relay are explained in detail. Also, the design, construction, working, applications, and also relay selection is explained in detail.

What is a relay?
We know that most of the high end industrial application devices have relays for their effective working. Relays are simple switches which are operated both electrically and mechanically. Relays consist of a n electromagnet and also a set of contacts. The switching mechanism is carried out with the help of the electromagnet. There are also other operating principles for its working. But they differ according to their applications. Most of the devices have the application of relays.

Why is a relay used?

The main operation of a relay comes in places where only a low-power signal can be used to control a circuit. It is also used in places where only one signal can be used to control a lot of circuits. The application of relays started during the invention of telephones. They played an important role in switching calls in telephone exchanges. They were also used in long distance telegraphy. They were used to switch the signal coming from one source to another destination. After the invention of computers they were also used to perform Boolean and other logical operations. The high end applications of relays require high power to be driven by electric motors and so on. Such relays are called contactors.

How to test a relay

JOHN AUGUST - 28 - 2009 7 COMMENTS

This article shows you how to test a relay. A relay will usually have a coil, pole terminal and a set of contacts. The set of contacts that are open when the relay is not energized are called normally open (N/O) contacts and the set of contacts that are closed when the relay is not energized are called normally closed (N/C) contacts. The following steps can be used to perform the testing of the relay using a multimeter. Keep the multimeter in the continuity check mode. Check for continuity between the N/C contacts and pole. Check for discontinuity between N/O contacts and the pole. Now energise the relay using the rated voltage. For example use a 9V battery for energising a 9V relay. The relay will engage with clicking sound. Now check for continuity between N/O contacts and pole. Also check for discontinuity between N/C contacts and pole. As a final test, measure the resistance of the relay coil using a multimeter and check whether it is matching to the value stated by the manufacturer. If all the above tests are positive we can conclude that the relay is healthy.