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
Earth Leakage Relays
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
Solid State Relays
Timer Relays
Timer Relays

15787 Products showing for Relays

1 of 790
Currently unavailable
Omron H5CX Series Panel, Panel Mount Timer Relay, 1-Contact, 24 V 12V ac, 24 V ac, 0.001 s to 9999 h, 0.001 s to 9999 h,
  • RS Stock No. 687-6103
  • Mfr. Part No. H5CX-L8D-N
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD6,788.00(exc. GST)
TWD6,788.00/unit
Last RS stock
Weidmüller TRZ Series Interface Relay, DIN Rail, 230V ac/dc, 24 V ac/dc Coil, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 892-8861
  • Mfr. Part No. 1122970000
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD903.00(exc. GST)
TWD903.00/unit
In Stock
Panasonic Automotive Relay, 12V dc Coil Voltage, 35A Switching Current, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 699-5979
  • Mfr. Part No. CM1A12
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD304.00(exc. GST)
TWD304.00/unit
In Stock
TE Connectivity Surface Signal Relay, 5V dc Coil, 2A, DPDT
  • RS Stock No. 422-7063
  • Mfr. Part No. IM03GR
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD90.00(exc. GST)
TWD90.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact RIF-0-OPT Series Solid State Interface Relay, DIN Rail Mount, 28.8V dc Control
  • RS Stock No. 207-3310
  • Mfr. Part No. 2905293
Subtotal (1 pack of 10 units)
TWD8,367.00(exc. GST)
TWD836.70/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact DIN Rail Relay Module, 12V dc Coil, 10mA Switching Current, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 890-3907
  • Mfr. Part No. 2906224
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD337.00(exc. GST)
TWD337.00/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Power Relay, 24V ac Coil, 10A Switching Current, DPDT
  • RS Stock No. 121-7830
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD318.00(exc. GST)
TWD318.00/unit
In Stock
Finder PCB Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 10A Switching Current, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 793-3770
  • Mfr. Part No. 36.11.9.024.4011
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD130.00(exc. GST)
TWD130.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact DIN Rail Interface Relay, 24V dc Coil, 1mA, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 794-3774
  • Mfr. Part No. 2903368
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD424.00(exc. GST)
TWD424.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact PLC-OPT Solid State Interface Relay 30V dc DIN Rail Plug-In
  • RS Stock No. 171-9684
  • Mfr. Part No. 2908172
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD966.00(exc. GST)
TWD966.00/unit
In Stock
Carlo Gavazzi DMB Series DIN Rail Timer Relay, 2-Contact, 240 V dc 240V ac, 0.1 to 360000 s, Multifunction-Function,
  • RS Stock No. 256-5059
  • Mfr. Part No. DMB71DM24
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD5,469.00(exc. GST)
TWD5,469.00/unit
In Stock
Hongfa Europe GMBH PCB Power Relay, 12V dc Coil, 16A Switching Current, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 176-2980
  • Mfr. Part No. HF115FK/12-H3T(610)
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
TWD520.00(exc. GST)
TWD104.00/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 10A Switching Current, DPDT
  • RS Stock No. 348-784
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD445.00(exc. GST)
TWD445.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact DIN Rail Relay Module, 12V dc Coil, 50mA, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 794-3777
  • Mfr. Part No. 2903369
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD419.00(exc. GST)
TWD419.00/unit
In Stock
Carlo Gavazzi Power Relay, 24V ac Coil, 5A Switching Current, 4PDT
  • RS Stock No. 272-5996
  • Mfr. Part No. RMIA4524VAC
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD446.00(exc. GST)
TWD446.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact DIN Rail Interface Relay, 230V ac Coil, 10A Switching Current, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 794-3749
  • Mfr. Part No. 2903339
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD383.00(exc. GST)
TWD383.00/unit
In Stock
Phoenix Contact DIN Rail Relay Module, 12V dc Coil, 50mA, SPST
  • RS Stock No. 794-3768
  • Mfr. Part No. 2903360
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD356.00(exc. GST)
TWD356.00/unit
In Stock
Fujitsu PCB Power Relay, 24V dc Coil, 16A Switching Current, SPDT
  • RS Stock No. 790-3344
  • Mfr. Part No. FTR-K1CK024W
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD154.00(exc. GST)
TWD154.00/unit
Last RS stock
Weidmüller TRS Series Interface Relay, DIN Rail, 230V ac/dc, 24 V ac/dc Coil, DPDT, 45mA
  • RS Stock No. 892-8818
  • Mfr. Part No. 1123580000
Subtotal (1 unit)
TWD1,134.00(exc. GST)
TWD1,134.00/unit
In Stock
Hongfa Europe GMBH PCB Signal Relay, 5V dc Coil, 3A, DPDT
  • RS Stock No. 176-2891
  • Mfr. Part No. HFD2/005-S-D
Subtotal (1 pack of 5 units)
TWD293.00(exc. GST)
TWD58.60/unit
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Guides & Articles

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
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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